America is falling apart at the seams......

[marmar]

from the WaPo:



Tense Rescues Follow Massive Water Main Break

By Debbi Wilgoren, Debbie Cenziper and Katherine Shaver
Washington Post Staff Writers

Tuesday, December 23, 2008; 5:47 PM


Utility workers have restored water service to all customers in southern Montgomery County, but a major commuting route remains closed following a massive water main break this morning that forced dramatic rescues of trapped motorists on River Road in Bethesda, authorities said.

Water remains safe to drink because the 8 a.m. break did not cause pressure in the system to dip low enough that contaminants could seep into the 66-inch pipe, said Jim Neustadt, a spokesman for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Water pressure may remain low while pressure rebuilds in the system, he said.

"We think we're in pretty good shape right now," Neustadt said. "We are very, very sorry and deeply regret the inconvenience we've caused everybody, particularly those who were stuck in the road and in that water."

The affected section of River Road, between Seven Locks Road and Bradley Boulevard, remained closed throughout the day and may take several days to repair, said Kellie Boulware, a spokeswoman for the Maryland State Highway Administration, which maintains River Road. "With the temperatures being what they are and the fact that the water's been gushing so long, we won't know until we get our engineers in there," Boulware said. She said motorists are advised "definitely to take alternate routes until repairs are made." .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/23/AR2008122300847.html?nav=hcmodule