By John R. Roby, originally posted on October 18, 2016

A water main break in Endicott has affected service in much of the village and forced the cancellation of school in the Union-Endicott and Maine-Endwell school district Wednesday.

All residents within the Endicott water district, including the Village of Endicott and parts of West Corners and Endwell, are under a boil water advisory until further notice. Water should be boiled for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, washing dishes, brushing teeth or making ice.

All Saints Catholic Elementary School will also be closed Wednesday.

The closures and boil water advisory followed the break of a 24-inch main at Harrison Avenue and Park Street at about 8 p.m. Tuesday, which cut water downtown and reduced pressure throughout the village, Mayor John Bertoni said. Public safety is a priority, he said, and cautioned drivers to avoid the area near the break.

“We have contacted other municipalities to ensure fire protection is not a problem,” Bertoni said. “We’re working as quickly as we can, but the outcome will have a drifting effect into tomorrow.”

All Union-Endicott schools will be closed Wednesday, according to the district. Employees who would typically report during a snow day, or those who work in the central office, should contact their direct supervisor.

“We will be looking into reason behind the break, but right now we’re worried about getting service back online,” Bertoni said.