Impacts still felt from major water main break in Baltimore County
Water service has been fully restored to residents and business owners in Cockeysville after a major water main break Friday afternoon.
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) crews worked throughout the weekend to complete emergency repairs to the 30-inch water main break, which had water gushing onto the street, at 11223 York Road.
York Road remains closed from Schilling to Ashland Road to allow for ongoing site work, according to DPW. Crews hope to reopen the road sometime this week.
If Baltimore County residents experience issues such as no water, very low pressure, or persistent discoloration, they may call 443-263-2220 or the City's 311 call center.
Businesses, residents burdened by water main break
Businesses on York Road in Cockeysville closed for business over the weekend after water flooded the typically busy street.
Rick Lastener, who lives about half a mile from the water main break, said he was among the many neighbors who lost water. But, now that the water is back, the inconvenience remains.
"(I) got to work and my wife called me and told me about the mess," said Lastener. "So coming back, I couldn't make a right here on Ashland Road. I had to go up and down the back way."
Neighbor Mati Gozlo said he also felt the burden from the water main break.
"It has added like five minutes to our drive time," Gozlo said.
But both neighbors said the inconvenience they've faced is nothing compared to the businesses that were flooded and had to close, or the open businesses, who saw a decline in customers because of the road closures.
"It was surprising because I've never seen such a thing before," Gozlo said.
Baltimore County distributes water to residents
On Saturday, county leaders held a water distribution site for affected residents. They gave away cases of water in Cockeysville.
"We bought out as many pallets as we could," said Alonza Williams, the director of the Baltimore County Office of Community Engagement. "Baltimore County, the County Executive, Kathy Klausmeier, wants to make sure that all residents in this area have some clean water to drink while we go through getting the pipe fixed."
Following Friday's water main break, residents were asked to conserve water. Officials had concerns that a water tank would go empty as crews repaired the water main on York Road.
Judi Letmate is one of the many Baltimore County residents who stopped the water distribution site, trying to do her part and save water.
"Once it's gone, it's gone," Letmate said. "So, you need to be prepared."
Baltimore County leaders said everything is back to normal and there's no longer a need to conserve water.
What to do if a water main breaks near me
In the event of a water main break, DPW urges residents to take the following precautions:
Run Cold Water – Flush your taps by running cold water for 5–10 minutes to remove any sediments
Avoid Hot Water Use Initially – Do not use hot water until cold water runs clear to avoid pulling sediment into your water heater
Clean Aerators – Remove and rinse faucet aerators/screens to clear any debris.
Check for Discoloration – If water is discolored, continue flushing. If it doesn't clear, contact the number below.