WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Town of West Springfield has issued a boil water order notice for several locations after a water main break in the area of Rogers Avenue and Gooseberry Road.

As a result of the break, certain areas in Town have experienced dangerously lowered water pressure. Crews have located the source of the break on Gooseberry Road and have repaired the pipe on Wednesday.

The break was from a crack on the top of the 24-inch cast iron water main located on Gooseberry Road. Water services should be restored to all residents at this time but water pressure may remain low for some time. If you do not have water, the DPW recommends flushing your water line by running cold water.

The impacted area is the southwest corner of the Town and includes properties located:

• South of Dewey Street and Amostown Road, to the Westfield River/Agawam boundary; and
• West of Piper Road/Amostown Road/South Boulevard to the Westfield boundary.

People living in the affected area are advised to boil all water (or use bottled) before using it for drinking, food preparation, mixing baby formula, making ice, washing food or dishes, brushing teeth or any other activity involving the consumption of water. Information on the state’s advisory for drinking water boil orders and public-health orders can be found here.

Below is a map with a full street listing of impacted areas, or go to the Town of West Springfield website. The fire department is distributing bottles of water to those affected.

“We’re here, we’ve been out out, we delivered some water to the people who couldn’t make it down, again if you want to come on down if you’re impacted by the water, we do have it here available to you,” said West Springfield Fire Lt. Tony Spear.

When water is available in the impacted area, DO NOT CONSUME TAP WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.  Boiled or bottled water should be used until further notice.  Boiling kills bacteria and viruses in the water.  Discard ice, juice, formula, and any food that was prepared using tap water in the impacted areas on or after 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Police warn of water testing schemers

West Springfield police say they received calls from residents of individuals visiting homes with water testing offers costing $150 that would relieve residents from the water boil order. Police say these services are not affiliated with the Town of West Springfield and urge all residents to continue to boiling water until the advisory is lifted.

The department offered the following tips to avoid any schemes:

• Beware of unsolicited offers to do water testing. Calmly but firmly tell the solicitors you are not interested and tell them to leave your property. If they refuse your instructions, call the police.
• Do not let solicitors inside of your home.
• Be vigilant on behalf of your neighbors; scams often target senior citizens.
• Call the police if you have questions, or if unfamiliar people or companies appear at your door or in your neighborhood.
• All solicitors are required to register with the police department.