Mayor

Meriden Water Main Sends Water Gushing Into Downtown Streets

A dramatic water main break snagged traffic and cut water service for some in downtown Meriden Wednesday.

Meriden police Lt. Thomas Cossette said the water came gushing out of the ground at East Main Street and State Street around 1:30 p.m. The force of the explosion broke windows in three cars parked nearby.

With the break occurring near train tracks, Amtrak temporarily stopped trains.

Mayor Kevin Scarpati said the break happened in an area that has some of the highest pressure in the city, and that more than a million gallons of water were lost.

Police said Wednesday night that the break was repaired and that water service was fully restored. Residents should run the cold tap if they see discoloration and wait until water runs clear before consuming.

Crews continue working to repair the road, which may remain closed for several days.

The city engineer said the break may have occurred due to high pressure and a deteriorating element underground, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

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