Report a Water Main Break to DPW Dispatch at 781-316-3301

When an Arlington Alert notification is sent about a water main break it may be viewed on the Arlington Alert page. Scroll to bottom of page to view message and map of impacted area.

About water main breaks
Water main breaks occur for a number of reasons and at all times of the year, but the most common reasons are age and temperature. When a water main breaks Arlington’s Water/Sewer Division will respond to the site and start the process of locating the leak and repairing it. This usually requires digging up streets and/or sidewalks, turning off water service, fixing the leak, restoring water service, backfilling the hole, and cleaning up the site. Most breaks involve holes or cracks in the pipe caused by the soil, these breaks are repaired using a clamp. Some breaks involve broken valves or require cutting out and replacing a bad section of pipe. These types of repairs typically take longer to identify and complete the repair.

How Long Does it Take to Fix a Water Main Break?
Every water main break is different. While a temporary fix may between 6-8 hours, completely repairing the water main after a break may take days or even weeks. It may require the repaving of roads or the addition of soil to stabilize the area. In addition to the damage on a municipal property, a water main break can cause damage to your property. Water damage restoration time will vary depending on the type and extent of the damage.


While the Town's goal is to restore water services as quickly as possible, it must be done safely and without risking additional damage to the system.

Please remember, during a water main break our crews are out there working their hardest to get your water restored. We appreciate your patience and understanding.


Why is my water discolored?
Flush the pipes following a water main break.
Once water is restored you may notice discoloration, this is due to disturbing the main. Discolored water may stain laundry, especially whites or light color loads. If you experience discoloration or air in your lines, run the cold water from the highest point in your home until the water runs clear (a bathtub faucet is a good place to run). Open the cold water valve in the bathtub. Listen for hissing and spitting, a sign that air remains in the line. Run the water until it is clear, and no additional air bubbles are released.

How to check if something is clogging the faucet or other water lines.

Sediment can clog water lines to other fixtures like toilets and sinks, as well as to appliances, boilers, and water heaters. Occasionally, a piece of sediment in the system is large enough to close off a water supply pipe completely and you may need to clean or change the aerator. This video walks through the process of changing a faucet aerator. It is recommended that you check your manufacturer for specific instructions.

If after you check the faucet aerator you have no water at all, contact the Water and Sewer Division to see whether they have shut off the water to your home as part of the repair process. If they believe the water is on, you may need to contact a plumber to help you locate and remove the blockage.