Cold Weather To Blame For Water Department Woes

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Louise Lorino says she complained to the Philadelphia Water Department about the constant flow of water, bubbling up from the ground at Edgemont and Ontario Streets in Port Richmond.

"It's been since Tuesday evening at 7'o'clock, water just gushing out into the street," said Louise Lorino of Port Richmond.

Eyewitness News was there around 10:40 a.m. Friday when the small fountain of water died down to a silent puddle.

Watch the video...

PWD workers turned off one of the valves so they could dig up the ground and fix the problem.

Water Department spokesperson Laura Copeland says the break at Ontario and Edgemont wasn't like the one last week in Kensington, which called for immediate attention. That break caused a massive flow of water down Thompson Street that carried away trash cans and ruined cars.

When it comes to fixing water mains, it all about prioritizing.

Copeland also says nearly half of their water main breaks occur in January, February, and March because of the cold weather.

If you have questions or concerns about a water main break in your area call 215 685-6300

Reported By Jericka Duncan, CBS 3