by Robert Rhoden, originally posted on December 7, 2016

Pearl River might remain under a boil-water advisory until Thursday evening (Dec. 8) or Friday morning, Mayor David McQueen said Wednesday. A 12-inch water main broke sometime Monday night, leaving some parts of town without water and other areas with low water pressure, officials said.

The advisory was issued Tuesday morning, and water was restored to all town residents by that afternoon, McQueen said. Residents may can use the water but should boil it first, he said.

Water samples were sent to Louisiana state health officials for testing. McQueen said he expects test results Thursday or Friday.

The main break happened when a fitting on a water line blew out five feet below ground, along Spruce Street at South Church Street, McQueen said. It was discovered early Tuesday. The town initially reported, incorrectly, that the break was along Gum Street.

“It’s just something you have to live with,” McQueen said of the water line break. “It was a long day yesterday.”