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Water main break creates icy conditions in Waterloo

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UPDATE: At 4:40 p.m., the city said the water main repair was completed around 2:30 p.m. and crews were filling in the excavated area. Due to weather conditions, the city said that work may not be completed by Monday evening.

A broken water main has created icy conditions and disrupted water to residents in a Waterloo neighbourhood.

A city official said the break, on Amos Avenue, was reported on Sunday evening and there were immediate concerns about the stability of a nearby hydro pole.

“Last night we actually engaged a specialty contractor to make sure a hydro pole in proximity to the break was safely being supported in case there was some instability in the ground,” said Leigh McDermott, director of city utilities with the City of Waterloo.

By Monday, he said the break had been isolated and repair crews had secured the site.

McDermott said it is a blowhole break in a ductile iron pipe that’s between 51 to 52 years old.

“This particular stretch of road in the city has experienced a couple of breaks in the past, in fact two last year,” said McDermott.

“It’s really a pipe that’s getting to a certain age that is susceptible to breaks.”

The water main break happened in front of Centennial Public School.

The public school posted a notice on their website to confirm the school would be open on Monday.

It said a water truck would connect to the school to ensure a supply of potable water.

The notice asked parents to avoid Amos Avenue and keep the roadway clear for school buses.

The city said area residents had been notified of a possible water disruption and crews would be working on repairs throughout the day on Monday.

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