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Crews Face Unique Challenge To Repair Beaver Co. Water Main Break

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AMBRIDGE (KDKA) – Crews are working to repair a water main break in Beaver County, which is affecting thousands of customers.

However, crews are facing a unique challenge due to the location of the break. One official said it's the worst kind of repair, in the worst possible place.

The 12-inch line broke in a wooded area off of 19th Street in Ambridge. Crews had to dig out a road to reach the break area, which is at the bottom of a ravine.

The Ambridge Water Authority's plan is to bring heavy equipment down the path to the break, replace the ruptured pipe and then try to bring pressure back to proper levels.

Watch Bob Allen's report:

 

Meanwhile, some 7,000 customers found themselves with dry or low-pressure taps.

"I got up this morning, found my water pressure was low. I went to use the water line and it wasn't working," Noreen Kowalski said.

On Sunday, crews were able to put a temporary repair in place. However, it is unclear when the permanent repairs will be completed.

Ambridge's fire department opened up tankers to provide non-potable water for customers and water buffaloes for drinking purposes.

Additionally, a Boil Water Advisory has been issued on behalf of the Ambridge Water Authority.

Water will temporarily be shut off again while repairs resume.

"They do have probably some service. Some do, some don't. We're going to be shutting it down here, though, completely shortly so we can do work on this line," Mike Dominick, with Ambridge Water Authority, said, "so a lot of people will probably be without service until repairs are complete."

It will take several days of testing once the repairs are completely for the DEP to lift the boil water advisory.

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