After reporting that everything was getting back to normal Wednesday afternoon, on Thursday morning the city health department issued a release stating that overnight there had been yet another waterline break, this time in the area of Eighth and Harmon streets.
Residents were encouraged to boil to be ingested.
On Wednesday, Acting City Manager and Portsmouth Water Works Director Sam Sutherland said one of the booster pumps at Sunrise was pumping water to the high-pressure system – but at reduced pressure, according to the health department.
On Thursday, city and county officials reported a second pump – not the ODNR pump – was now in place at Sunrise and helping provide steady water pressure in the hilltop area.
Once the smaller tank is filled then the high capacity pump secured from ODNR was to begin filling the 22 million-gallon reservoir on top of Sunrise Avenue to top off water reserves serving the entire city.
“We have since been able to restore those services thanks to the ongoing support of our local fire departments.” Kephas added contrary to some rumors loose in the community, all SOMC’s surgery departments were “still functioning.” “We want to take a moment to show our appreciation to all of the local fire departments that are working tirelessly to support SOMC and our patients at this time.
At 1 p.m. Thursday, possibly with a sigh of relief, city officials reported the boil advisory for the hilltop area had been lifted.
Hilltop residents were still being encouraged to conserve water to assist in filling the system’s reserves.
If you are affected by the Harmon Street boil advisory, still do not have water, or have disrupted service, free tap water still is available for fill up at the water filtration plant in New Boston.
For residents living in Portsmouth, Rosemount, or West Portsmouth, if you have special needs, or are unable to leave your home to purchase water or fill up at the filtration plant, call the Portsmouth City Health Department call line.