Harrison Twp. water boil advisory could extend into weekend

A water main break in Harrison Twp. has caused a boil advisory that could extend into the weekend.

The affected area includes approximately 350 homes, according to Brianna Wooten, communications coordinator for Montgomery County Environmental Services. Wooten said she anticipates the boil advisory to be in effect until Friday afternoon, or Saturday at the latest.

Montgomery County Environmental Services began working on a water main break around 5 a.m. Wednesday when pressure was lost to an area of the water system in Harrison Twp., according to a press release. Water has been restored, but the boil advisory remains in place.

The boil advisory is in place for the area south of Wagner Ford Road, north of the river and east of Dixie Drive.

The following streets are affected:

  • Ome
  • Ontario
  • Oneida
  • Neva
  • Woodhaven
  • Lodge
  • Hiawatha
  • Berwyck
  • Susannah
  • Rolfe
  • Maumee
  • La Crosse
  • Belfonte
  • Fairfield

Wooten said 35 percent to 50 percent of water main breaks happen in the winter — and not just due to the cold, but because temperatures also fluctuate.

Pipes burst when water expands and the age of the pipes also is a factor.

“We haven’t had as many breaks this year,” Wooten said. “We’re prepping for more breaks with the cold weather now.”

Wooten said the department tries to have adequate staff and budget for overtime. Crews prioritize repairing the breaks based on how many people are impacted by it and the safety concerns.

“Sometimes smaller ones do not get fixed right away, and it causes some frustration,” Wooten said. “Otherwise, they handle them as they come in.”

A half-dozen breaks, three within 100 feet of each other, have been reported in Harrison Twp. in the last several days.

Residents said the interrupted water service has caused hardships.

“It’s been rough here,” resident Betty Beebe said. She can see the on-going repair work from the front porch of her home.

“(The water) was on when I got up earlier today. I know because it was so cold in there that I didn’t sleep well,” she said. “It will come on and it will stay on for a short time, and then it goes back off again.”

Once the work is completed, an all-clear notice will be posted on the doors of affected homes letting residents know the water is safe again, according to Wooten.

To report a water main break, call the dispatch line at 937-781-2678.

Staff Writer Mike Campbell contributed to this report.

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