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Aging pipes are one of the main causes for water main breaks, highlighting the need for continued infrastructure investment. Over the next ten years, American Water plans to invest billions in upgrading its systems to enhance resiliency in the communities we serve across the nation.  

No matter the cause, water main breaks can be disruptive. Knowing what to expect and how to respond can help you stay informed and prepared. 

How to Report a Main Break
If you notice a main break or any other water emergency, reporting it is quick and easy. Simply visit your American Water state website or log in to your MyWater account and check the Customer Advisory Map to see if the break has already been detected and to check the status of the repair. If no information is found, then reporting is easy by using our fully automated system that will guide you through the process step-by-step.

Customers can report a main break at amwater.com/mywater or anyone can visit emergency.amwater.com

Will Water Be Shut Off?
Water in our pipes is kept pressurized. Whenever possible, repairs are safely made without shutting off the water. However, if the flow of water is too great, or if employee or community safety are at risk, a temporary shut-off may be necessary during repairs and you may experience either low water pressure or a temporary interruption to water service.

Will Water Quality Be Affected?
Water quality is not always impacted by main breaks or leaks. If there’s any suspicion that water quality could be affected, a precautionary boil water advisory may be issued. This advisory remains in effect until laboratory tests can confirm that the water is safe for consumption, at which point the notice will be lifted.

If your water service was shut off during repairs, you might notice air in your pipes or discolored water once service is restored. This discoloration, while temporary and normal, isn’t harmful but can stain. If you experience this, let your cold water run for a few minutes.

Be Alerted to Main Breaks
American Water uses an alert notification system to keep customers informed about water-related emergencies. You can choose to receive notifications by phone, email, or text message, and even opt-in for non-urgent updates like scheduled water flushing in your area.

Stay safe and informed by using these resources and signing up for alerts or making sure that your current contact information is up to date. To sign up for alerts and updates: Visit amwater.com/mywater or your state’s alerts page.