Broken Water Main Triggers Steam Condition, Cuts Service On Upper East Side
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Hundreds of Upper East Side residents were left without water following a main break Tuesday, and officials said they might not get it back for several hours to come.
According to Con Ed, water from the broken main hit nearby steam pipes, prompting plumes of smoke to rise on 65th Street and Lexington Avenue.
The break took place at around 8:30 a.m.
"Of course, when water touches a hot steam pipe, it creates a steam condition, which is obviously very disconcerting to people as they walk by," said City Councilman Dan Garodnick (D-4th).
So the city shut down the block and the water to about 450 customers. That meant no coffee for Larry's customers at his shop on the corner.
"Everybody started walking out and the sales were dropping by the hour," Larry said.
Other businesses on the block, including a pizza shop and a restaurant, told WCBS 880's Alex Silverman they kept their water service.
Bu those without service might not get it back until late Tuesday night or early Wednesday, officials said.