KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene Public Works Director Don Lussier called in to WKBK Radio’s Open Mic show Friday morning to provide insight into the city’s response to a significant water main break earlier in the week and discuss next steps for repairing critical infrastructure.

Lussier’s appearance on Dan Mitchell’s show came two days after a 16-inch water main ruptured Wednesday night near Roxbury Road, releasing an estimated 850,000 to 1 million gallons of water in just 45 minutes. The breach—a roughly 3-foot-long, 8-inch-wide section that “blew completely off” the pipe—prompted an emergency response from city crews, a boil water order for residents, and a community-wide effort to distribute bottled water.

According to Lussier, the broken line is one of the city’s most critical—known as the “cross-town main”—and connects the Beech Hill and Roxbury Road water tanks to West Keene. Crews were able to isolate the break and restore water service to most customers within 45 minutes of the incident, though about 40 homes were left without water until the following afternoon.

The water loss triggered a citywide boil water order, which extended into North Swanzey and impacted residents, businesses, and institutions such as Cheshire Medical Center and Keene State College. Lussier said water testing is underway, with the order expected to be lifted by noon Saturday, pending a second round of satisfactory results.

“This was one of the largest breaks we’ve seen,” Lussier said. “It caused more widespread impact than usual, both in terms of water loss and the need for precautionary measures.”

In coordination with C&S Wholesale Grocers, the city offered a one-day bottled water distribution at the Marlboro Street Public Works facility, providing 24-packs to affected households.

Lussier also acknowledged this was the third significant failure on the same stretch of pipe, with prior breaks occurring roughly two and 18 years ago. He said the pattern suggests deeper issues with that section of aging infrastructure, which operates under high pressure at one of the system’s lowest points. Planning is now underway to evaluate and potentially replace the compromised line.

“This isn’t just a one-off anymore,” Lussier said. “We have to assume there’s something structurally wrong with that section and begin preparing to address it long-term.”

The damaged road has since been temporarily reopened following backfill and patch work, though full paving repairs will likely require outside contracting.

Listen to the full interview: