KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A large water main break reported Wednesday evening disrupted water pressure throughout the city, prompting emergency measures and widespread advisories.

City crews responded to the break around 7 p.m. near 92 Water Street, an area now blocked off to traffic as work continues. The rupture caused water pressure to drop across Keene, from downtown neighborhoods to the outskirts of West Keene, leaving many residents with little or no water.

In response, the Keene Fire Department activated extra crews and coordinated with regional mutual aid partners to ensure fire protection remained in place despite the reduced water flow.

City Manager Elizabeth Ferland abruptly left a City Council committee meeting Wednesday night to oversee the emergency response. Officials said water pressure has begun to return gradually in some parts of the city, but a 24-hour boil water advisory is now in effect as a precaution. Residents are also urged to avoid the affected stretch of Water Street while repairs are underway.

According to the city’s Public Works Department, updates will be shared as more information becomes available. In the meantime, officials thanked the public for its patience during what they described as a significant infrastructure emergency.