Dalton Declares Water Emergency After Line Breaks
 The hole in that closed the closed Housatonic Street and sent water spewing from Pittsfield's main water line. |
Update: The water emergency in the town of Dalton ended at 5 p.m. on Thursday after a water main accidently broken Tuesday during construction was finally repaired.
Work was completed around noon but the emergency was not lifted until 5 to allow "the line to become fully charged and for the Water Department to be able to use a gradual reopening of the system to prevent additional problems," according to Dalton Emergency Management.
Housatonic will be closed for now because it continues to be a construction site, taking up one of the lanes. Police and Highway departments are working on options for partial opening.
The Dalton Water District, and the Dalton Emergency Management Department gives our thanks to the residents for there patience and assistance over the past few days.
The pipe was repaired by Pittsfield because the pipe is the main line for the city's Cleveland Water Treatment Plant.
"The repair to the main break was quickly remedied and repaired," said Mayor Daniel Bianchi in a statement. "I would like to thank all of the city employees who put so much effort into ensuring that there were no major effects as the main break was temporarily, and then permanently, repaired. I also want to thank the residents of Pittsfield for being patient during this time."
Some areas of Pittsfield are still experiencing roiled water; customers should let the water run to clear the line prior to use.
Update: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m.
Update from Dalton Emergency Management: The system was shut down at about 4 p.m. to drain the pipe so the permanent repair could start. Normal household water use can occur but a water emergency is still in effect. Repairs should be completed and the line back on Thursday morning. Listen for messages via CodeRED.
Update: Tuesday, Aug. 5
The temporary patch is holding to allow the reserve tanks to be filled to capacity, according to Dalton Emergency Management. The pipe to make the permanent repairs has not arrived yet but the expectation it will be here Wednesday to begin repairs by the afternoon. Full repairs are epected to take more than 12 hours, with completion by Thursday afternoon.
The water emergency remains in effect until the line is permanently repaired.
 Dalton and Pittsfield residents are being asked to conserve water after a water main break on Housatonic Street in Dalton, seen in this photo taken by Mayor Daniel Bianchi. |
DALTON, Mass. — A water main break on Housatonic Street early Monday morning continues to affect water pressure in the area.
Dalton is under a water emergency, with requests that residents limit excess water usage until permanent repairs can be made.
The line comes from Pittsfield's Cleveland Water Treatment Plant and is the primary transmission main for about two-thirds of the city's water. The city's Department of Public Utilities was responding to the break.
According to officials, a construction crew broke the line near LP Adams, closing Housatonic from South Carson to Depot Street.
A high volume of water was spewing from the edge of the roadway.
Emergency crews were working to put a temporary patch on the hole. Water was turned off but officials hoped it could be turned on temporarily Tuesday morning. It will be turned off again so permanent repairs can be completed Wednesday.
Dalton Emergency Management posted on its Facebook page that "permanent repairs cannot be done until Wednesday because of the nature of the damage to the pipe and the type of pipe that is being repaired."
Pittsfield residents also were asked to "immediately curtail" water usage and prepare for sporadic episodes of low pressure and roiled water.
Dalton has a reserve of water that officials said should cover basic family usage — washing, dishes and bathrooms — but not excess use such as watering lawns or washing cars or multiple loads of laundry.
Once the water in the tanks is used, it can't be refilled until the line is reconnected.
Tags: water main, water usage,
