ELLSWORTH — City officials are working to repair a break in a water main at the intersection of Main Street and State Street this morning.

“That’s the main that we replaced when we reconstructed Main Street, so that’s new, that’s from the ’90s,” said City Manager Michelle Beal. “It was completely unexpected.”

Meanwhile, the city had to shut down the water main on State Street while the break is repaired, so all Ellsworth schools have closed for the day, she said.

Those who currently have water, at mid-morning, “should be OK, unless the break is more substantial than we think,” Beal said.

Everyone who lost water should be getting water back shortly except for those on State Street, Beal said.

Beal said Water Superintendent Larry Wilson has the break isolated but won’t know more about the problem until crews dig down farther.

Beal explained that certain businesses and residences lost water because the system lost pressure. When a break in the water main occurs, all the water flows toward the break, she said.

The city is drafting a list of streets that will be under a boil water order. Once the list is released, it will be posted on fenceviewer.com.

The Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross advises the following steps in a Boil Water Order:

1. Water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil for at least three minutes prior to use in all food preparations, drinking, diluting juices or formulas and brushing teeth.

2. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use automatic ice makers. Remake ice with water that has been boiled.

3. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces with clean tap water mixed with one teaspoon of household bleach per gallon of water.

It is important to continue these steps or to purchase and consume bottled water until the boil order is lifted for health and safety reasons.

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