Up to 50 Woonona properties remain without water supply after a main burst on Ball Street, about 5am Wednesday. 

A Sydney Water crew has been working on-site since 5.30am, according to a statement issued by the company. 

“The crew has slowed the leak so there is no longer water flowing onto the road,” a spokeswoman said. 

“We rerouted supply to restore full water service to around 1500 properties, many of [which] may have experienced no water or reduced pressure, by 10.15 am.

“There are still up to 50 properties impacted – Sydney Water has customer liaison officers on site to assist them, but we expect all services to be restored this afternoon.”

The spokeswoman categorised damage to the roadway as “major”. 

“Our first priority is to make the area safe and restore water to our customers. Once this is done we will repair the road.”

“Sydney Water will assist customers who need to lodge a claim for any damage or loss incurred as a result of this main break.”

EARLIER:

A water main has burst to spectacular effect in Woonona.

The major pipe ruptured early on Wednesday morning, causing a large amount of water to travel underneath the road down Ball Street for several hours. 

A large section of the road has given way. 

The rupture happened near the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and Ball Street. 

The Mercury understands the pipe that ruptured was bigger than most – 37.5cm in diameter.

The volume of water and the Ball Street’s downhill slope are understood to account for the extensive damage. 

Homes and businesses in the area were without water for much of the morning. However, most services have since been restored. 

Among the businesses affected was At All and Sundry cafe, where staff took to Instagram about 7.20am to let morning coffee customers know of their predicament.

Upon assessment of the damage, the business decided to shut for the rest of the day.

A section of Ball Street remains closed and Sydney Water crews are on the scene. 

In a statement, Wollongong City Council said there was no vehicle or pedestrian access to Ball Street.

“Sydney Water is responsible for repairing and restoring the main which has caused damage to the road pavement,” the statement said.

“Sydney Water will complete all restoration works for incidents such as this. Council has attended the site and offered assistance.”