Boil order issued for part of east Saint John after water main break

A boil order has been issued for part of east Saint John, while other Saint John Water customers may experience a loss of water or low water pressureas work crews deal with several water main breaks and leaks, primarily on the east side.

The leaks could also cause traffic disruptions and dangerous driving conditions because of ice build-up, according to the advisory issued by the city earlyWednesday evening.

The boil order affects homes and businesses on Upland Road, Reading Crescent and Roxbury Drive, the statement said.

This work is extremely difficult for our crews. It's cold, the ground is frozen and they are underground working with water. We thank our customers while we work to restore full service.- City of Saint John

It's unclear from the notice how many people are affected.

Tap water should be boiled for at least one minute before being used for drinking, brushingteeth, making ice, juice, coffee or tea, or washing vegetables that will not be cooked.

The water is safe for bathing, and it is safe towashdishes either in a dishwasher, or in hot, soapy water and then air dry.

The Department of Health issued the order following a water main break on Upland Road.

"The presence of low chlorine means that disinfection may not be effective and thus there may be bacteria in the water that can cause illness in humans," including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches, the advisory states.

The boil order remains in effect until further notice.

Crews are still working on the Upland Road leak andcustomers in the area are likely seeing low pressure or no water, said city spokeswoman NancyMoar.

Closer to the centre of the city,a water main leak has also closed a short stretch of Union Street heading east, from Pitt Street to Crown Street.

A detour is available from Union Street to Pitt Street to King Street East to Crown Street.Traffic heading west in this section will be down to one lane. Motorists were asked to use caution in thearea.

Other water main breaks and leaks:

• Somerset Street/Paradise Row (Wall Street overpass) repairs are ongoing and will affect traffic, said Moar. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route if possible.
• Champlain Drive, on the east side, has resulted in low pressure to approximately 15 homes, said Moar. Work is "almost complete at this location," she said.
• Starburst Lane, also on the east side, may require an emergency dig, said Moar. That leak has created ice build up on the roadway and in at least one driveway, she said.
• An earlier leak onGolden Grove Road on the east side has since been repaired.
• A leak has been reported on Main Street North.

"This work is extremely difficult for our crews. It's cold, the ground is frozen and they are underground working with water," the statement said. "We thank our customers while we work to restore full service."