PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It’s been over a week since the massive water main break in the Kingsessing section of Southwest Philadelphia, Some residents say things still aren’t back to normal.
Phillip Robinson said his heat just came back on a day ago, but the water service is still not working.
"I have light and gas, but I don't have any water," he said.
Robinson lives in an apartment building at the corner of 56th Street and Springfield Avenue.
Related
A 48-inch, century-old water main broke there on Feb. 9, flooding 8 million gallons into the area.
"It’s a big deal because you're scared of your pipes. It’s just very scary," said Samara, who lives right down the street. Her water has been turned on.
She explained how hard it is with her three children because the water pressure still hasn't returned to normal yet.
Related
"We have cold and hot days," Samara said. "Everything is back on, but the pressure is still kind of funny, which makes you wary as a homeowner because we have cold and hot days.”
Samara said she is especially frustrated for neighbors who lost all their possessions.
"The ones who are subletting basement apartments lost everything, so I felt bad for them," she said.
Emma, who also lives at 56th and Springfield, said the recovery effort needs to involve more than water pressure.
Related
"They need to clean up the alley also, because everything the water brought from up there where people litter came straight down and stopped in front of our house," she said.
But Grace Jackson, who has lived on the block for 60 years, hasn’t had any problems.
"I think the city is doing the best they can,” she said.
Water Department crews continue to work on the site of the break and have excavated a gaping hole in the middle of the intersection.
Related
Brian Rademaekers, a spokesperson for the department, said the cause of the break is still under investigation and there is no timeline for repairs to be completed.
However, Rademaekers added that they are "now deploying resources and coordinating with partner agencies to address repairs and provide additional support."
For some in that neighborhood, that support is needed.
"They need to clean up their mess," Emma said.
More from KYW Newsradio:
- Download the Audacy App | Listen live | Smart speakers
