Water Main Break On Rt 9 One Of 13 In Brookline

BROOKLINE, MA— Emergency crews for the Brookline Department of Public Works were busy Monday making repairs to 13 water main breaks and leaks, including a major main break on Boylston Street between Hammond and Holly streets.

Other water breaks occurred on Tappan Street, Holly Lane, Green Hill Road and Holland Road. The breaks appear to have been caused by an abrupt change in pressure in the system that the Town and MWRA are investigating, according to DPW.

"We believe that there was a pressure surge in the system," said DPW Commissioner Erin Gallentine Monday night. "The issue is under investigation and will take some time to resolve. Sites are still actively being repaired."

Chestnut Hill water main break

The water main break between Holly and Hammond streets was a serious one, with damage to a 12-inch-diameter pipe running beneath a busy thoroughfare, according to the town.

Officials said the break happened around 3 a.m., with water spreading across both directions of the roadway and into The Street shopping district parking lot, where cars were detouring to get around the water.

It prompted officials to close Boylston Street in both directions from about 5 a.m. until 7 a.m., while the Water and Sewer Division worked to shut off the water to the affected pipe.

Brookline DPW Commissioner Erin Gallentine said she expected the break to be fixed today.

In general

Fixing the break was a complex process. Officials said it was made more difficult because of challenging soil conditions and other utility pipelines within the excavation zone.

While crews are working to repair the breaks, people who live nearby could see impacted water pressure, the town said.

Once repaired, water mains will be flushed by releasing water from selected hydrants in each area.

Whenever a break occurs in a water line, it is possible some homes and businesses nearby will see discoloration or sediment in their drinking water for a short while. The flushing may cause discolored water and a reduction in pressure.

"These conditions will be temporary and any discoloration will not be harmful," according to the

DPW. "The Brookline Water and Sewer Division is actively monitoring water quality, and at this time has found no reason for concern about water quality in its service area."

If conditions persist, officials ask you to contact the Water and Sewer Division at 617-730-2175.