Dundalk businesses, residents frustrated after third water main break this summer

August 6, 2026 - 08:08

Residents and business owners in Dundalk are facing another round of frustration after a water main break left parts of the area without service on Wednesday morning. This marks the third such incident since the start of summer, renewing concerns about the age and reliability of the local water infrastructure.

The latest break occurred on a stretch of Merritt Boulevard, forcing crews to shut off water to nearby homes and shops while repairs got underway. Some businesses reported losing water early in the day, with no clear timeline for when service would be fully restored. A spokesperson for the county's public works department said crews were working as quickly as possible, but noted that the pipe was old and the repair required careful excavation.

For many in the community, this is becoming a familiar and unwelcome pattern. A restaurant owner on the boulevard said he had to close his kitchen for the morning, losing both revenue and perishable stock. Another resident, who has lived in the area for over twenty years, said she has never seen this many breaks in a single season. She described having to stock bottled water and check the news every few hours just to plan her day.

Local leaders have acknowledged the growing frustration. One county council member said the repeated failures point to a deeper problem with aging pipes that need more than patchwork fixes. He called for a full review of the water system in Dundalk and urged residents to report any low pressure or discolored water right away.

Until the repairs are finished, officials are advising people to boil water before drinking it, as a precaution. They also say that once service is restored, some residents may notice air in the lines or temporary cloudiness, which is normal after a break. The hope is that this will be the last major disruption of the season, but many in Dundalk are not holding their breath.