Work to replace two broken water mains in the area of Little Britain Road was completed Thursday morning at approximately 4:30am, less than 24 hours after both mains erupting near Ellis Avenue. Crews from the City’s Engineering, Water, and Public Works Departments worked through the night into the early morning to remove and replace broken sections of a 12-inch cast iron high pressure main and a 20-inch low pressure main.
Upon repair, Water Department Distribution staff worked to reactivate the repaired sections of main while Water Department Treatment Plant staff worked to reintroduce flows into the low-pressure system. Water Department staff has begun taking water quality samples from various sample locations throughout the distribution system. Water supply customers affected by the break will begin to see their pressures restored to normal levels throughout the day on Thursday. The affected section of Little Britain Road between Wisner Avenue and Cerone Place shall remain closed until further notice, as construction crews continue work to repair the storm sewer pipes, manholes and roadway infrastructure that was destroyed by the water main break. The boil-water notice remains in effect until further notice.
As water pressure levels return to normal Thursday, water distribution will continue at three points throughout the City of Newburgh:
- City of Newburgh Recreation Department, 401 Washington Avenue – water tanker for filling containers supplied by residents, as well as bottled water;
- Broadway between Lander & Johnston Streets – water tanker;
- Corner of Liberty Street & Bay View Terrace – water tanker.
Additionally, water has been supplied to Newburgh Housing Authority customers through the Water Department’s Mobile Water Fill Station, and through service call deliveries conducted by City Departments of Public Works and Fire. Residents are encouraged to re-use and re-fill bottles of water previously distributed.
Work to repair the broken mains and road infrastructure is being completed under the leadership of City of Newburgh Commissioner of Public Works Jason Morris, along with Water Superintendent Wayne Vradenburgh and DPW Superintendent George Garrison. Fire coverage coordination continues to be actively managed by City of Newburgh Fire Chief FJ Spinelli. Public safety and community service missions by the City of Newburgh Police Department continue under the leadership of Commissioner Jose Gomerez and Chief Anthony Geraci. Matthew Nordt, the City of Newburgh’s Recreation Director, is managing the City’s busiest distribution point at 401 Washington Street. Mayor Torrance Harvey and members of the City Council have been engaged throughout the process. Mike Neppl, City of Newburgh Chief of Staff, continues to manage the emergency response under City Manager Todd Venning.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.