Freezing temperatures continued to test Philadelphia’s infrastructure this week as water main breaks were reported across multiple neighborhoods, flooding streets and, in some cases, disrupting water service and leaving residents without heat as crews worked through freezing conditions.
The most recent break occurred early Monday in Overbrook Park, where water surfaced along Greenhill Road before rushing down Haverford Avenue and turning into slushy ice. While the water appeared to be shut off later in the morning, icy conditions lingered on surrounding roadways.
“I think it’s just a hot mess, but what can you do?” said Stephanie Stevenson, a nearby resident.
City officials say water main breaks have been occurring daily since last Tuesday, with incidents reported in neighborhoods including Germantown, Point Breeze, Fishtown, Fairmount, Roxborough, Manayunk, and several sections of North and Northeast Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Water Department has said prolonged freezing temperatures increase the likelihood of breaks, as pipes contract beneath frozen ground.
Over the weekend, a water main break along Oakdale Street in North Philadelphia sent water rushing down the roadway and into nearby properties, prompting Philadelphia Gas Works to shut off gas service to several homes after appliances were deemed unsafe. Residents in the area said the damage left them without basic necessities during the cold snap.
“For the last 24 hours, we’ve been in the house with no water, no heat. It’s freezing,” said Dominique Cooper.
In Manayunk, muddy water flowed down Main Street on Sunday after a break at Cresson and Cotton streets, affecting nearby homes and businesses. Among those impacted was J.D. McGillicuddy’s, which temporarily closed while crews pumped water from its basement and treated surrounding streets to prevent freezing.
“Woke up around 8–8:30, heard like this weird… this noise, basically,” said Chris Hunter, a Manayunk resident. “Just come outside, and it’s flooded. Thought our basement was done for, but thank God.”
Elsewhere in the city, a break near Bustleton and Philmont Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia left approximately 30 properties without water service, and water flowing across the roadway created slick conditions as temperatures remained below freezing — just days after vehicles were found encased in ice along North Front Street in Northern Liberties.
City officials say repairs during prolonged cold weather can take longer than usual, depending on the size of the break and site conditions. As of Monday, the water department had not released timelines for full restoration at several of the affected locations.
Residents experiencing water main breaks or other water-related emergencies are encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Water Department at (215) 685-6300.
