Published: September 25, 2009 12:43 am      

Boil water advisory in effect after break

A waterline break on Iowa Street placed the entire community of Westwood under a boil water advisory on Thursday.

Boil water advisories were also in effect for homes and businesses on Ky. 5 from Hoods Creek Pike to Little Garner Road. Approximately 1,200 water customers have been affected.

According to Ashland Water Works Operator Bill Stambaugh, an 8-inch ductile iron water main broke near the intersection of Wheatley Road and Iowa Street in Westwood.

The break occurred shortly after 5 p.m. and spewed thousands of gallons of water onto Iowa Street and creating a large hole in the roadway. Much of the water entered a nearby creek via a storm drain but some did seep into the Kentucky Auto Sales garage on Iowa Street.

It is unclear what caused the break although residents living nearby said heavy machinery had been working earlier in the week to level and add gravel to a road and lot where the break occurred.

Water was almost to the front door of the Corner Stop Market and Deli by the time workers were able to shut it off. First-time business owners Robert and Leslie Donta reopened the market about six weeks ago. Although there was no damage to the building, it’s unclear whether the incident will spoil their plans for a grand opening celebration on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.