Emergency Water Main Repairs

The Sudbury Water District responds to emergency water main breaks and other unexpected water system emergencies as quickly and safely as possible. Emergency repairs may require an immediate, temporary interruption of water service to affected properties.

The Sudbury Water District uses the Town-wide Emergency Notification System to notify impacted customers about emergency water main repairs, temporary water service interruptions, and other important public safety matters. Customers enrolled in the system are among the first to receive notifications about planned and emergency infrastructure work.

If you’re not already enrolled, customers are strongly encouraged to Sign up for free and select your preferred method of communication: email, text message, or voice message.

Important Emergency Notification Information

Emergency water main breaks occur without warning, often during overnight hours, on weekends, or on holidays. Because these events are unplanned, it may not be possible to notify impacted customers immediately.

When possible, the District will issue an alert through the Town-wide Emergency Notification System as soon as practicable; however, notification cannot be guaranteed. If an emergency occurs outside of regular business hours, the District’s on-call technicians may only be able to provide in-person notification, on foot, going door-to-door, with limited information.

In these situations, every effort will be made to post pertinent information to the District’s website news feed as soon as it becomes available.

During an Emergency Water Main Repair

The first priority during an emergency water main repair is to safely stop the loss of water, isolate the damaged section of water main, and begin repair work. A temporary interruption of water service will likely be necessary, and impacted customers may receive little to no advance notice.

What Should You Do During an Emergency Water Main Repair?

• Plan to be without water for at least eight (8) hours.
• Actual restoration times may vary depending on the circumstances of the repair.
• Purchase and store enough bottled water for basic cleaning and sanitation needs.
• Approximately one gallon of water poured directly into the toilet bowl will force a flush.

Important Information About Emergency Repairs

Emergency water main repairs require immediate action. The duration and extent of a service interruption may not be known until crews expose and assess the damaged section of water main.

Estimated restoration times are not guaranteed. Water service may be restored earlier than anticipated or may take longer depending on the extent of the damage, site conditions, weather, traffic, 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 field conditions change during the repair. Additional temporary service interruptions may also be necessary as crews investigate and complete the repair.

For your safety and the safety of our personnel, please do not approach or interrupt District crews while they are working to repair the water main break. Maintain a safe distance from the work area and allow crews to safely complete the necessary repairs and restore water service.

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 occur’s 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.

After Water Service Is Restored

When water service has been restored, customers should:

• Slowly open a cold-water faucet and allow the water to run until it is clear.
• If the water appears discolored, continue running the cold-water faucet for several minutes until the water runs clear.
• Avoid using hot water until the cold-water supply runs clear. This helps prevent sediment from entering the household hot-water system.
• If water remains discolored after flushing the cold-water faucet, contact the Sudbury Water District at 978-443-6602.

Why Is It Necessary to Suspend Water Service?

Temporarily suspending water service allows crews to safely isolate and repair the damaged section of water main.

The repair process includes:

• 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.

Impacted Roadways During Repairs

Emergency water main repairs will require on-site construction equipment, excavation, temporary lane restrictions, or possible road closures.

Motorists Should

• Allow additional travel time.
• Use caution when traveling near the work area and District vehicles.
• If the work area is determined to be too narrow for safe passage, the road may be closed to vehicular traffic. Motorists must follow all posted detours and traffic-control signage.

Pedestrians Should

• Avoid the work area when possible.
• Use caution around construction crews, equipment, and open work areas.

Emergency Conditions May Affect Restoration Time

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.

The Sudbury Water District will make every effort to complete the repair and restore water service as quickly and safely as possible.

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.