Repairs Completed, Service Restored After Water Main Break in Hill Section

Pennsylvania American Water crews worked through the weekend to fix the 135-year-old pipe

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:15pm

Pennsylvania American Water crews completed repairs and restored service to 55 customers in Scranton, Dickson City, and the Abingtons on Sunday morning after a water main break occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Hill Section of Scranton. The break happened in a 16-inch-diameter water main that dated back to 1891.

Why it matters

Water main breaks can cause significant disruptions to residents and businesses, leading to road closures, loss of water service, and potential water quality issues. Restoring service quickly is crucial, especially in populated areas like the Hill Section of Scranton.

The details

The water main break was reported around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, leading to the closure of some roads near the 600 block of Ash Street. Pennsylvania American Water crews worked through the weekend to complete the emergency repairs, which were finished around 11 a.m. on Sunday. Even customers not in the immediate area of the break may have experienced discolored water due to the size and complexity of the water system, and were advised to run cold water taps for 3-5 minutes until the water cleared.

  • The water main break was reported around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
  • Pennsylvania American Water crews completed the repairs and restored service around 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2026.

The players

Pennsylvania American Water

A water utility company that provides water and wastewater services to customers across Pennsylvania.

Alana Roberts

A spokeswoman for Pennsylvania American Water.

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What they’re saying

“Customers — even those who don't live in the immediate area of the break — were alerted they may have discolored water due to the size and complexity of the system.”

— Alana Roberts, Spokeswoman (thetimes-tribune.com)

The takeaway

This water main break highlights the ongoing infrastructure challenges faced by aging water systems in many communities. Proactive maintenance and investment in water system upgrades are crucial to prevent future disruptions and ensure reliable water service for residents.