Update: September 26, 2026 2:00 p.m.
Water service has been restored to King Philip Road
An emergency water main repair is underway on King Philip Road. Water service is temporarily interrupted on King Philip Road (between Singletary Lane and Pokonoket Avenue) to allow District crews to isolate and repair the damaged section of water main.
What to Expect
- District crews are on-site, and excavation has begun to make the necessary repairs.
- Temporary Water Service Outage:
King Philip Road, between Singletary Lane and Pokonoket Avenue, is temporarily interrupted and will remain off until the repair work is completed. - Road Closure:
King Philip Road, between Singletary Lane and Pokonoket Avenue, is closed to vehicular travel. - Customers impacted by the temporary service outage should plan to be without water for at least eight (8) hours and are encouraged to purchase enough bottled water for basic cleaning and sanitation needs. Approximately one gallon of water poured directly into the toilet bowl will force a flush.
- Those in close proximity to this area of Sudbury may experience changes in water pressure or temporary discolored water when water service is restored.
Temporary Water Service Outage
To allow crews to safely complete the required repairs, it is necessary to temporarily interrupt water service to properties on:
- King Philip Road, between Pokonoket Avenue and Singletary Lane.
Service Outage Duration
The anticipated water service interruption is estimated between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today, or until the repair is completed.
Service Restoration Time
Water service restoration time is not guaranteed. Water service may be restored earlier or may take longer depending on the extent of the damage, site conditions, weather, utility conflicts, and other unforeseen conditions encountered during the repair. Additional properties may be affected as crews isolate the damaged section of water main or as conditions change in the field.
Impacted Roadway During Repairs
Road Closure
King Philip Road, between Pokonoket Avenue and Singletary Lane
Area Motorists Should
- Allow additional travel time.
- Follow all posted traffic restrictions, detour signs, and traffic control instructions.
- Expect additional delays during school morning and afternoon commuting hours.
Pedestrians Should
- Avoid the work area when possible.
- Use caution around construction crews, equipment, and open work areas.
- Maintain a safe distance from District personnel during construction activities.
Important Safety Reminder
For your safety and the safety of District personnel, please do not approach or interrupt crews while they are working in the repair area. Maintaining a safe distance allows our crews to focus on the emergency and safely complete the work.
After Water Service Is Restored
- Slowly open a cold-water faucet and allow the water to run until it is clear.
- If the water is discolored, continue running the cold water for several minutes until it clears.
- Avoid using hot water until the cold-water supply runs clear. This helps prevent sediment from entering your household hot-water system.
- If the water remains discolored after flushing the cold-water faucet, please contact the Sudbury Water District at 978-443-6602.
- Temporary discoloration can occur when changes in water pressure and flow disturb naturally occurring minerals and sediment that have accumulated inside the water main. The water should gradually clear as normal pressure and flow conditions are restored.
Emergency Notification System
Customers enrolled in the Town-wide emergency notification system are among the first to receive important information about utility projects, water service interruptions, emergency conditions, and other public safety matters.
Sign Up for Emergency Notifications
We understand that an unexpected interruption in water service is frustrating and inconvenient. The Sudbury Water District appreciates your patience and understanding while our crews respond to emergency conditions.
Questions?
For additional information, please contact the Sudbury Water District:
Phone
(978) 443-6602
Email
customerservice@sudburywater.com
More Information About Emergency Water Main Repairs
Emergency water main repairs require immediate action. The first priority during an emergency is to safely stop the loss of water, isolate the damaged section of water main, and begin the necessary repair work.
A temporary interruption of water service is necessary to allow crews to safely isolate and repair the damaged water main. Because emergency conditions can develop without warning, affected customers may receive little to no advance notice.
The District understands that an unexpected interruption in water service can be inconvenient. Every effort is made to complete emergency repairs and restore water service as quickly and safely as possible.
Service Restoration Time Is Not Guaranteed
Restoration time is an estimate based on past emergency water main repair events. Underground utility emergencies may involve unforeseen conditions that affect the timing and scope of the repair. Crews may encounter buried utilities, difficult soil conditions, additional damage, or other circumstances that require the repair approach to be modified. Additionally, the extent of the damage to the water main cannot be fully determined until it is unearthed during excavation.
Additional properties may be affected as crews isolate the damaged section of water main or as field conditions change during the repair. Additional temporary service interruptions may also be necessary as crews investigate and complete the repair.
Road Closures
Emergency water main repairs require excavation, construction equipment, and possible vehicular travel restrictions, as necessary, to protect motorists, pedestrians, and District personnel. When emergency water main repairs result in travel restrictions or road closures, the Department of Public Safety, in accordance with its established notification procedures, will notify Sudbury Public Schools (K–8) and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (LSRHS) of impacts to school transportation routes.
Water Quality
A water main break or temporary loss of water service can result in changes in water pressure and flow direction within the distribution system. Customers may experience temporary yellow, orange, brown, or reddish discoloration of their water during or after an emergency repair.
This discoloration occurs when changes in water pressure and flow disturb naturally occurring minerals and sediment that have accumulated inside the water main, causing them to become suspended in the water. As water pressure and flow return to normal operating conditions, the sediment will typically settle, and the water should gradually clear.
Why Is It Necessary to Temporarily Suspend Water Service During a Water Main Repair?
Temporarily suspending water service allows crews to safely isolate and repair the damaged section of water main. The repair process includes isolating and draining the affected section of pipe, assessing the damage, completing the necessary repair, slowly restoring pressure, inspecting the repair, flushing the water main, and restoring service. Because conditions may change as excavation progresses, crews may encounter additional damage, buried utilities, difficult soil conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances that could affect the timing or scope of the work.
Understanding the Repair Process
- Closing nearby gate valves to isolate the damaged section of water main and stop water flow.
- Depressurizing and draining the affected section of pipe so crews can safely access the damaged area.
- Locating and assessing the damaged section of water main.
- Cutting, removing, reconnecting, clamping, or otherwise repairing the damaged section of pipe, as necessary.
- Slowly refilling and repressurizing the water main after the repair is completed.
- Inspecting the repair and surrounding area for signs of continued leakage.
- Flushing the water main to remove sediment and help restore normal water quality.
- Restoring water service to affected properties once the main has been repaired, repressurized, and flushed.
- Backfilling the work area and scheduling permanent restoration of pavement and other areas affected by the emergency repair.
- Updates and progress will be posted here.