KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A major water main break on Water Street late Wednesday night disrupted water pressure across Keene and parts of North Swanzey, prompting emergency response efforts and a citywide boil water advisory that remained in effect Thursday.

The break occurred around 7 p.m. Wednesday near 92 Water St,, damaging a critical pipe that supplies much of Keene’s water system. The rupture drained a 3-million-gallon water storage tank and left many homes and businesses with little to no water pressure well into the evening.

Town officials said the water supply was cut off around the break to allow repairs, and the tank was being refilled overnight. Crews worked into Thursday to restore normal pressure and secure the damaged area. Officials said the break was likely due to aging infrastructure, which poses ongoing challenges for municipal water systems.

As of Thursday morning, water pressure had returned to most areas, but a boil water notice remains in place for all Keene water customers and those in the North Swanzey Water Precinct. The notice is expected to last at least 36–48 hours while water quality testing is conducted. The city emphasized that the advisory applies to any water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.

Impacts Across the City

The disruption quickly rippled across Keene:

  • Cheshire Medical Center went on full diversion Wednesday night, rerouting patients due to the water supply issue. By 11:30 p.m., the hospital resumed normal operations, though it continues to monitor the situation.

  • Hannaford’s supermarket reported a run on bottled water Wednesday evening as residents stocked up in anticipation of the advisory.

  • Dunkin’ locations in Keene and Swanzey were closed Thursday morning. Customers were seen driving away from the Court Street store after reading the closure notice, which cited the water emergency.

  • Savings Bank of Walpole’s Marlboro Street branch lobby is closed today due y due to a lack of water in the building. The drive-thru and ATM remained operational, and the bank noted that all other area branches would stay open for the day. In a public statement, the bank said it was aware of the ongoing water issues impacting Keene and North Swanzey and emphasized that precautions were being taken to protect both staff and customers.

  • Brewbakers Café remained open but modified its offerings. Staff paused online orders and were not serving brewed coffee or espresso. Only drinks made with commercial bagged ice or from sealed containers (such as cold brew and kombucha) were available. Food service continued with safety precautions in place.

  • Elm City Brewing Company remains open today with a few changes to soft drink service,
  • Many other Keene businesses remained open Thursday, though some had limited services or modified hours due to the advisory. Residents are encouraged to check with individual businesses before visiting, as conditions may change throughout the day.

The city advised residents to follow CDC boil-water guidelines, which include bringing tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (or three minutes at high altitudes), allowing it to cool before use. Water must be boiled even if filtered through a home or pitcher system.

City officials said showering and laundry remain safe, but residents should avoid swallowing water while bathing and consider sponge baths for infants and toddlers.

Water Street remains closed between Main and Baker streets while excavation and pipe repairs continue. Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area.

The city will post updates on its official website, social media platforms, and through email alerts when the advisory is lifted.

More information will be provided on mykeenenow.com and on the My Keene Now Facebook page as it becomes available.

A major water main break in Keene Wednesday night led to citywide low water pressure and a boil water advisory now in effect through the end of the week.

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Major water main break in Keene disrupts citywide water pressure – My Keene Now