Crews were called to the scene of two separate water main breaks in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
The first water main broke around 11:30 a.m. on 51st and Locust in West Philadelphia. Officials say residents illegally turning a fire hydrant caused the 16-inch water main break. Fifty properties in that area were without water for several hours.
"Due to this illegal business they tried to do earlier, we have to suffer," said Edward Damon.
Their water was restored around 10:30 p.m.
"I'm relieved," said Ronnie McRay. "This is great. I can lay down and go to sleep now."
Crews were also called to the scene of a water main break on Fordham and Academy roads in Northeast Philadelphia. Officials say the isolated 8-inch water main break caused flooding in the basements and garages of six of the homes. Some residents say the water shut off didn't happen fast enough.
"The minutes were passing," said Tracey Gordon-Kane, whose home was flooded. "The water was gushing into my basement. I mean, so fast. I've never seen anything like it."
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Water Department officials say its response time of 45 minutes was within normal range.
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