Middlebury officials working to fix water main breaks from 'pressure wave' - WPTZ

Middlebury officials working to fix water main breaks from 'pressure wave'

Middlebury officials working to fix widespread water main breaks from 'pressure wave'

Middlebury town officials are continuing to work to alleviate a series of water main issues that have caused widespread breaks and triggered a series of cautionary boil water advisories.

Officials said they are working around the clock to address issues triggered by a so-called "pressure wave" within the town's water system, which has caused unprecedented leaks and breaks.

According to investigations into the matter, a hydrant in the town was recently frozen in an open position, causing a surge of water to flow through at a high rate, damaging the nearly 100-year-old system of pipes used to deliver potable water to residents.

While the situation was believed to be under control last week, officials said a new spate of breaks and leakages have dashed hopes that the problem would subside anytime soon.

Officials emphasized that the boil water advisories in effect are precautionary, and there is currently no danger from drinking town water.

Right now, officials have submitted a request for a local declaration of emergency from Gov. Phil Scott in the hopes of getting state aid as well as potable emergency water for residents in need.

In the meantime, crews are working to address issues as they are reported, with an outside engineering firm also retained to assist with problems that may occur.

"The town understands the incident has caused a great deal of inconvenience to our citizens, and we thank them for their continued patience as our crews work to repair the unprecedented number of breaks and leaks," the notice reads.