A water main break on High Street in Paris has extended into its third day, with water service still off from 32-77 High St., the section between Park and Porter streets.

The problem continues as each new section of pipe is being replaced, Paris Utility District General Manager Tanya Dunn said.

As repairs were made Wednesday morning, Dunn said she expected service to be restored before the end of the day, although a boil water order will follow for affected customers until further notice.

“We’ve fixed it at a few spots but more breaks are occurring when we repressurize the system,” Dunn said. “We just installed a new valve at the end of Gothic Street to help manage it.”

Water pressure to residences on Skillings Avenue and Church, Myrtle and Gothic streets has been reduced. Waterlines in that neighborhood are still open, but Dunn said lowered pressure means that customers residing in upper story apartments may be able to draw little to no water.

Crews have also started digging the line southward on High Street toward Market Square.

On Tuesday, the section of High Street was closed, and traffic on Route 26 was disrupted at times. As of late morning Wednesday traffic on Route 26 was open in both directions.

The water lines in that area of town were installed 50 or more years ago, Dunn said.

“They are old, and only buried about 30 inches down in the ground,” she said. “Combined with the very cold winter we’ve had, the infrastructure is buckling with spring thaw.”

Dunn offered thanks to agencies and departments that have provided mutual aid to the Paris Utility District since Monday: the Paris Fire and Highway departments, Norway Water District, Oxford Water District and materials supplier EJ Prescott. 

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