Water Main Break Floods Area Around 3rd and Girard

by KYW's John McDevitt

A Northern Liberties neighborhood was flooded on Friday afternoon when a water main broke.  

There were crews in the area -- ironically, building a sewer inlet for water runoff.  But the cause of the flood has yet to be determined.  

The Philadelphia Water Department says the 30-inch main gave way shortly after noon.  Water flooded the intersection of 3rd and Girard. Several properties had their basements flooded. 

Sara Habecker lives nearby:

"I came home to eat lunch and I looked out my window and there was water everywhere."

...and almost up to her car's windows:

"I can't start it because I can't reach the clutch because it's under water still.  So actually, the tow guy said it was totaled."

The pipes in the area are about 100 years old. 

The water department says it will do its best to minimize the impact and make good on any damage.

Back in July, one block away, that area was flooded after another water main break.