100-year-old water main breaks in Augusta

AUGUSTA – A 100-year-old water main burst Tuesday, prompting officials to warn residents west of the Kennebec River to boil their water for two days.

The breach spilled more than 350,000 gallons of water, collapsed part of a road and forced traffic to be diverted. The Augusta Water District warned people on the west side of the river to boil water for drinking and eating to protect themselves against any contamination.

The break occurred about 10:30 a.m. at Bond Brook Bridge, and shortly thereafter another line broke nearby. Scott Minor, general manager of the Augusta Water District, said the breaks were the result of a “major pressure surge in the system.”

Residents in Manchester, East Winthrop, Chelsea and Vassalboro will not be affected by the breach, Minor said.