Water main break leads to flooding concerns

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. – An 8-inch water main busted early Friday, leading to flooding concerns for homeowners who live around Larchmont Avenue just east of the District line in Capitol Heights.

The break left standing water in spots and utility officials had to shut off water service to more than 30 customers. Residents reported brown, foul-smelling water bubbling out of toilets and through the plumbing, leaving more than a foot of water in basements.

“The main that needs to be repaired was put in the ground in 1931, so we are dealing with a much older pipe,” says Ayoka Blandford with Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.

“Older pipes have a life that is coming to a useful end,” she says.

Crews wearing hard hats and yellow vests plan to work on repairs throughout Friday.

Earlier this week, a different water main break led to a boil advisory for almost 10,000 WSSC customers in southern Prince George’s County.

Just after that advisory was lifted Friday morning, the second problem arose.

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