A boil-water order remained in effect Friday for parts of Portland affected by a 16-inch water main break on Preble Street.
The water main break, which was reported around 8 p.m. Thursday, was one of three ruptured mains the Portland Water District dealt with Friday.
The Preble Street break flooded roads and triggered a boil-water order for Munjoy Hill residents in the area northeast of Sheridan Street that was expected to remain in effect until at least 11:30 p.m. Friday.
As a precaution, consumers were directed to boil water for one minute before using it for drinking, washing food or brushing their teeth.
The break caused street and sidewalk flooding and left a giant hole in the road near 98 Preble St. The street was closed for repairs and reopened by 11 p.m. Friday, but it will be closed again from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday so that repairs can continue, the water district said.
Several homes and downtown businesses, including Binga’s Stadium restaurant, experienced a drop in water pressure after the break occurred.
The water district reduced pressure across the peninsula Thursday night to find the problem, Mayor Ethan Strimling said in a Facebook post. Binga’s Stadium had to stop serving customers Thursday because of the low pressure.
On Friday, Hilltop Coffee could not serve hot coffee because the café’s coffee machines are hooked directly to water lines and the water could not be boiled before brewing.
The other breaks were at 59 Walnut St. in South Portland, and at the corner of Cole and Brown streets in Westbrook. Restoration of service at those locations was completed by 5:30 p.m., said Michelle Clements, spokeswoman for the water district.
Matt Byrne can be contacted at 791-6303 or at:
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