The Public Works Lead with the City of St. John’s says crews managed, in short order, to isolate the source of a major water disruption in the city yesterday that affected thousands of households.

Sandy Hickman says a major water main that carries water from Petty Harbour Long Pond to the city’s west end broke in Bowring Park yesterday morning.

Once crews located the problem they were able to divert water onto the system from Bay Bulls Big Pond and water service was restored in a few hours.

Repairs are currently underway.

Hickman says water main breaks are not uncommon given the huge pressures involved, but in this case, it happened to be a major water main serving a large area.