An estimated 125 Woonona properties remained without water supply late Wednesday, after a burst main wrought havoc on the neighbourhood.
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A large pipe ruptured at a Hillcrest Avenue intersection about 5am, spewing a large volume of water down Ball Street and causing much of the road’s surface to crumble away.
A Sydney Water crew arrived 5.30am and slowed the leak, eliminating flow onto the road and restoring service to 1500 homes that had experienced little or no water pressure, by 10.15am.
The company expected to restore supply to the remaining homes and business by Wednesday night, a Sydney Water spokeswoman said, in a statement issued about 3pm.
“Sydney Water has customer liaison officers on site to assist them, but we expect all services to be restored later tonight,” she said.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience and we are working to have the water back on as soon as possible.”
Damage to Ball Street was extensive.
The street remained closed throughout Wednesday as a Sydney Water crew worked alongside large chunks of disturbed bitumen and warped curbing.
Sydney Water has prioritised restoring supply over repairs to the roadway.
The company has vowed to help customers in lodging a claim for damage or loss incurred as a result of the main break.
Among the businesses affected was Princes Highway cafe At All and Sundry.
Cafe staff took to Instagram about 7.20am to let morning coffee customers know of their predicament.
Upon assessment of the damage, the business’ operators decided to shut for the rest of the day.
The Mercury understands the pipe that ruptured was bigger than most – 37.5cm in diameter.
The volume of water and Ball Street’s downhill slope are understood to have contributed to the extent of the damage.
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.”