Belmont water main breaks for 3rd time this year

BELMONT — For the third time this year, the water main at Route 140 and North Main Street broke. While the repair is finished and water is flowing, town leaders are considering how to move forward.

The break, which occurred on July 16, and shut down water to the immediate area, carried into July 17, interrupting water service for businesses, and shutting down traffic, causing detours.

“The department confirmed a water main break after being notified of water bubbling out of the ground at the corner of Rt. 140 and North Main,” wrote Brian Jackes, director of Belmont’s Department of Public Works. “The 10-inch ductile iron line turned out to be a challenge due to the location, depth, and soil conditions but the team persisted, and service was restored Friday evening.”

The cost of the repair is unknown. Town Administrator Alicia Jipson did not respond to questions about the project. 

Town staff response was immediate, notifying taxpayers via Facebook and alerts on their website. On Facebook, town staff reminded residents that water may be discolored temporarily.

“As of 9:30 pm, Friday July 17th the water main break near the Belmont Fire Department between Route 106 and Main Street has been located and repairs are currently in progress and almost complete,” the post read. “You may experience discolored water and low pressure.”

This is the third water main break in the pipe, in different locations, which emphasizes the need for aging infrastructure updates.

“This is the third one this year and it is located in an entirely different part of the system,” Jackes wrote.

Nearby businesses affected by the break included Brookside Pizza II, which closed during the issue.

“Hi everyone, this is Mike at one of your favorite pizzerias and local pubs. With no ETA on the water main break in Belmont being fixed we really can’t plan to open today. Sad face. But the boys from the town having been working non stop to get it fixed and we all know that they bust there [sic] ass so please be patient if you are affected,” reads a post on the business account on Facebook, on July 17.

In addition to the Belmont Department of Public Works, Laconia Public Works and Water Departments, Busby Construction, Granite State Rural Water Association and Pennichuck Water Works assisted during the repair.

“The Department would like to thank our contractor, Busby Construction for their rapid response and expertise. Also, Granite State Rural Water Association, both Laconia Waterworks and DPW, and our partners at Pennachuck for assistance they all provided,” Jackes wrote.

•••

Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.