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In Sunday Heat, Dozens Without Water Due To Water Main Break In West Philly

WEST PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A broken water main in West Philadelphia left dozens without water Sunday, a day with a heat index of 105.

It happened near the intersection of 61st Street and Haverford Avenue, just before 7 a.m.

"I noticed the water pressure dropped in the shower, so I came downstairs to turn on the lights, check everything and look outside," said Jacquie Brodie-Davis, co-block captain. "Morning ritual. And then I saw all this water."

The break in the 12 inch water main sent water rushing down the street.

"They had started going door-to-door to alert people to move your car because the water was going to affect the engine on your car if you got it going," Brodie-Davis said.

Fifty properties, including a church and ten businesses were affected.

People bought bottles of water and just tried to stay in the air conditioning.

"You just make do, when you get lemons, make lemonade," Brodie-Davis said. "So when you don't have water, you go buy some water."

A Philadelphia Water Department employee showed up around 5 p.m. with cases of water. Carl Moore was happy to scoop up some bottles.

"Just taking it easy," he said. "Staying out of the way. The water, that's all we need, the water."

Crews restored water service around 7:30 p.m.

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