Crews from Portsmouth City Water Department responded to a large water break at the corner of 10th and John streets Wednesday. The break interrupted water service to many homes and businesses on one of the hottest days of the year.

Water Maintenance Supervisor Gary Kelly said the break occurred at about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday. Crews from the water department responded immediately but many customers were without water service until about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday when the break was isolated.

“It affected a whole lot of different areas of the town,” Kelly said. “It’s been quite a few. Up east and back over to OSCO and (customers) down on Market Street have called in. It’s a main feeder is what it is,” Kelly said.

He explained that anytime there is a water break, they have to notify all public utilities to come out and spot their own lines so there isn’t an accident. The system is called OUPS (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) and includes power, gas and telephone lines.

At 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Kelly said everyone should have had their water pressure back to normal while crew members try to stay cool themselves waiting for the utility companies to respond.

He expected they would need to keep working well into the evening.

According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio, base air temperatures were expected to have reached 95 degrees Wednesday with a heat index value pushing closer to 100 degrees. Today is expected to be even hotter, with base air temperatures expected to reach 97 degrees.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235, or e-mail rottney@heartlandpublications.com.