Massive Water Main Break in Watertown, New York Repaired; Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect

State of emergency over widespread water shortage declared as 45,000+ residents still face prospect of boiling water for days; water distribution stations set up and emergency supplies deployed.

A major water main break occurred in Watertown, New York, affecting over 45,000 residents, including smaller communities near the Canadian border, due to an aging 12-foot-long pipe from the city's water treatment plant splitting.
Despite the repair of the water main and the gradual restoration of water pressure, a boil water advisory and a mandatory water conservation notice remain in place, with residents expected to boil water from 48 to 72 hours.
The state of New York has issued a state of emergency due to the water shortage, deploying 32,000 gallons of drinking water from regional stockpiles, 11 water tankers, an incident management team, and other staff to the affected area.
Water distribution centers have been established at the Watertown Fairgrounds Arena, Watertown High School's parking lot, and Northland Plaza so that residents can obtain clean water in the interim, with officials urging them to bring their own bulk water containers.
While Fort Drum, which normally sources half its water from an off-post supplier, has relied on its well system to avoid service disruptions and has additionally supplied thousands of gallons of its own drinking water to the community, hinting at further provision if necessary.