Dozens of lower N.D.G. residents near Girouard Ave. and St-Jacques St. are approaching 72 hours without running water, following a water main break on Friday that is proving difficult to repair.
"It's a very complicated repair," admitted Cote-des-Neiges-N.D.G. Borough mayor Russell Copeman.
Locals have long complained about the constant noise from the nearby Turcot interchange construction, and the water main is located near a retaining wall created for the massive undertaking. There is also a gas line nearby, according to Copeman.
While the cause of the rupture is unknown, one theory being looked into is the ground around the water main became unstable from the oscillating and vibrating heavy machinery.
“Part of the reason why we proceeded with such prudence is because of the proximity to the Saint Jacques overpass where they are driving piles and excavating,” Copeman told reporters at a briefing on Sunday, adding that residents should not worry about whether their homes are stable. “We've had engineers on site, they've looked at the area and it poses no danger continuing to live in those buildings and occupy those buildings.”
The 75 or so people affected are receiving bottled water from the borough, and a water reservoir was installed over the weekend to allow for toilets to be flushed inside the buildings with no flowing pipes.
Showers are also available at the St. Raymond Centre daily from 7am until 10pm.
Work was halted Sunday over concerns the ground was unstable and unsafe for repair crew workers.
The hope is to have the water main repaired on Monday, according to Copeman, but it remains unclear when repairs will be allowed to resume.