Dozens in E. Longmeadow without water due to water main breaks

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) - Dozens of residents in a handful of East Longmeadow neighborhoods are without water Monday morning following four separate water main breaks.

East Longmeadow Police Sgt. Richard Bates told 22News that a series of breaks happened during the overnight hours, and as such the following streets are closed:

• Savoy Avenue
• Dearborn Street from North Main to Mayfair Street (a gas line is involved in that break)
• Gates Avenue from LaSalle Street to Dearborn Street (closed due to the Dearborn Street break)

Two other water main breaks, on Chestnut Street and Cooley Avenue, have been repaired.

Sean P. Kelly, Senior Project Manager for the East Longmeadow DPW , told 22News that it appears the breaks were caused by a malfunction at a water booster pump station, which allowed the pump to keep running when it shouldn't have been. As a result, water was being pushed through the system at a level of 135-140 pounds per square inch; well above the normal level of 70-80 psi.

Because they have a lot of water valves in town, they were able to isolate the breaks once they became aware of them.

Kelly said that the gas company has repaired a main that ruptured during the Dearborn Street break. That line should be back in service by late afternoon.

The Savoy Avenue line should be back in service by early afternoon.