Several water main breaks in Philly on Sunday cause concerns over icy roads

Water main breaks in Manayunk and Roxborough caused dirty water to stream down roadways on Sunday, leaving residents concerned that things will freeze over and create an icy mess.

First, muddy water streamed down Main Street in Manayunk on Sunday morning after a water main break at Cresson and Cotton streets.

“Woke up around 8-8:30, heard like this weird… this noise, basically,” said Chris Hunter, a Manayunk resident. “Just come outside and it’s flooded. Thought our basement was done for but thank God.”

A second water main break also caused water to stream down Umbria Street in Roxborough on Sunday morning. A water main break also occurred at the same spot on Thursday.

And a third water main break in Northeast Philly near Bustleton and Philmont Avenue caused the road to turn into an ice skating rink.

The city’s water department said around 30 properties were without water while repairs were being made to the water main break in Northeast Philly.

Officials say that water main breaks are more common in the winter because river water is colder and freezing temperatures can cause pipes and the ground to expand and contract.

For residents who had to avoid the water while walking and driving on Sunday, they just hope their cars don’t freeze over like the cars found in Northern Liberties.

“Definitely considering what I’ve seen happen in NoLibs with that lady’s car freezing over,” said Veronica Jenkins, of Manayunk. “I guess that’s kind of a concern and just also the ice on this street as well, potentially. The cold weather that we’ve have right now.”

To report a water main break or any other water emergency in Philadelphia, call the water department at (215) 685-6300.