A watermain break on Charles Street has been isolated

For over three hours Thursday morning, many residents of Kitchener were without water, or had little in the way of water pressure.

But the city says a watermain break on Charles Street has been isolated and water pressure is being restored.

WATER DISRUPTION UPDATE: The watermain break, located on Charles Street (not King as previously noted), has been isolated and water pressure is being restored. Please continue to avoid this area as staff work to repair the watermain. — City of Kitchener (@CityKitchener) April 25, 2019

According to the mayor, a 12 inch pipe was hit.

The region says a contractor was working on a private development located on the block bounded by King Street, Charles, Cameron Street and Madison Avenue.

The problems all started just after 7 a.m.

Berry Vrbanovic tells 570 NEWS it caused, "a significant impact to a large part of Kitchener."

Vrbanovic says crews are in the process of restoring water to the rest of the city. "Obviously it needs to be done in an orderly manner, so that you don't create breaks in pipes in other parts of the city, due to surges in water pressure."

The city worked with the region and have determined there are no safety concerns with drinking water.

The region says people may experience fluctuations in pressure and discolouration in water.

You are asked to observe the water before using it.

They say running the cold, unsoften water tap nearest to your supply for ten minutes usually will clear discoloured water, adding if the problem persists, wait for an hour and try again.

Meantime, due to the watermain break, the city has cancelled the Seniors' Day Program at the Downtown Community Centre and ArtShine at the Kitchener Market.

Some areas of Waterloo were also impacted by the water disruption.

WATER UPDATE......Please continue to avoid area of King/Charles/Cameron and Madison as @CityKitchener Utilities crews work to repair broken water main. Water pressures are returning throughout the city. What should you do as your water is restored? .... cont'd ..... pic.twitter.com/3Pxezi314o — Berry Vrbanovic (@berryonline) April 25, 2019

Barricades set up in these areas due to severe flooding in Kitchener:



King St. /Cameron St.

King St. / Madison Ave.

Charles St. / Stirling Ave.

Charles St. / Cedar St.



Please avoid areas. pic.twitter.com/kqnYo9KEwr — Waterloo Regional Police (@WRPSToday) April 25, 2019

The water flowing so quick, looking like storm sewers taking a hit here. Avoid the area if you can, roads around the area blocked off @570NEWS pic.twitter.com/q5KfWfpw7p — Mark Pare (@MarkLPare) April 25, 2019