River Road Repairs to Take Several Days
Cause of break may be known in 6 weeks
Thursday, Dec 25, 2008 | Updated 8:54 PM EDT
Chris Gordon
The aftermath of the River Road water main break.
BETHESDA, Md. -- Workers have cleared tons of debris from the area around a 66-inch pipe that broke earlier this week along River Road in Bethesda, but the road will remained closed for several more days.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission said a three-foot hole was found at the epicenter of the break. What caused the break may not be known for up to six weeks, however. Pieces of the pipe will be analyzed as part of a forensic investigation. The damaged section of the pipe is expected to be removed Friday and replaced.
Crews said River Road sustained significant damage, leading to the lengthy repair effort.
WSSC said all customers should maintain full service during the repairs to the pipe, but that some water discoloration could occur. WSSC said the discolored water does not pose a health hazard and is safe to drink, but that it may taste different. WSSC does not recommend using the discolored water for baby formula or for washing clothes.
