A major water main break in the Town of Ontario flooded part of Knickerbocker Road Sunday afternoon, forcing road closures and prompting a boil water advisory for residents.
The Ontario Fire Department responded around 4 p.m. to the area of Lake Road and Knickerbocker Road for a reported large water main break, according to local officials.
Photos from the scene showed water rushing across Knickerbocker Road, covering portions of the roadway and nearby shoulders.
Chad Pitre, chief operator of the Town of Ontario’s Water Treatment Plant, said the break involved the main line coming out of the plant.
As a result, a boil water advisory was issued for affected customers. Officials advised residents to bring tap water to a rolling boil before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or preparing infant formula until further notice.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office reported that Knickerbocker Road between Bear Creek Run and Lake Road was shut down as crews worked to isolate and repair the break. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
It was not immediately clear how many customers were impacted or how long repairs would take.
The cause of the break remains under investigation.
Town officials said updates on the advisory and road closures would be provided as more information becomes available.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].