NEW YORK — Water was restored to businesses and residents on the Upper East Side on Saturday night after a water main break that flooded streets.

Officials with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said around 8:10 p.m. that the water main was repaired, water had been restored to all customers, and roadway restoration was underway. The DEP had to turn off the water in the area to make repairs.
 

Crews working to repair a water main break on the Upper East Side on January 30, 2021. Ron Lee/NY1.

 

Officials said it started just before 8 in the morning on Second Avenue between East 75th and 76th Streets.

Police closed the street to traffic as crews worked into the evening to get the massive water pipe fixed.

A number of surrounding businesses were impacted, with some restaurants closing down for the day entirely. One store, Leonard's Market, an Upper East Side staple, decided to remain open, although not without constant headaches.

"We weren't able to cook more afternoon lobsters. We cook them early in the morning before the water main break but wasn't able to cook them in the afternoon. Anything to do with water, you were done with!" co-owner Peter Leonard said. "It's just been total aggravation all day."

The cause of the break is not confirmed as of Saturday night.

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