ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A boil water advisory has been issued in parts of the city of Rochester after a water main break just before 5 p.m. Wednesday on Favor Street.

On Thursday, Mayor Malik Evans announced a state of emergency for the city due to the widespread issues created by the water main break in combination with the approaching snowstorm.

The city says the break impacted water pressure in the water main, which it says increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes can enter the water supply. Officials say the break of the 36-inch water main, originally installed in 1899, was losing more than 35,000 gallons of water per minute at its peak and caused significant flooding.

Rep. Joe Morelle issued the following statement on Thursday:

"My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this significant water main break. This unfortunate situation is exactly why we passed the bipartisan infrastructure law and delivered $50 billion in funding for water infrastructure improvements, marking the largest investment in water the federal government has ever made. Upgrading our aging infrastructure is essential to the success of our community, and I look forward to working with partners at the local and state levels to make the updates necessary to keep our neighborhoods safe."

Boil water advisory boundaries:

  • Genesee River to Flint Street
  • Flint Street to Genesee Street
  • Genesee Street to Arnett Boulevard
  • Arnett Boulevard to Westfield Street
  • Westfield Street to Chili Avenue
  • Chili Avenue to Lee Road
  • Lee Road to NYS Route 104
  • NYS Route 104 to Genesee River
  • Genesee River to Inner Loop
  • Inner Loop to University Avenue
  • University Avenue to North/South Goodman Street
  • South Goodman Street to Linden Street
  • Linden Street to Mount Hope Avenue
  • Mount Hope Avenue to McLean Street
  • McLean Street to Genesee River
Courtesy: City of Rochester

According to the city, health officials are advising those affected to bring tap water to a rolling boil, boil for one minute, and cool before using, or to use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health.

The city says boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food until further notice.

Officials say it is likely the advisory will be in effect through at least this Saturday, Dec. 24 and that the advisory will be lifted when tests confirm any danger has passed.

Residents and businesses who do not have water are being asked to call 311 so crews can determine the extent of remaining outages. 311 will remain open until 12 a.m. and reopen at 7 a.m. Thursday.

All schools in the Rochester City School District are closed Thursday due to the situation.

As of Thursday afternoon, Ford Street remains closed to all traffic, from West Main Street to Troup Street, and will remain closed while emergency crews work to repair the water main break and drain water from the site.

This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.

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