December 17th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

 A water supply line leak at an unknown location forced the town of Lonaconing to manually shut down its water system Monday.  Of the 1,700 customers served by the Lonaconing water supply system, about half of those customers were without water as a result of the leak that was apparently first detected late Thursday. As a result of the problem. Westmar Middle and George's Creek Elementary schools canceled classes on Monday.  Allegany County Emergency Services provided an update late this morning:
 

The Allegany County Department of Emergency Services has been working with local municipalities along the Georges Creek corridor to ensure citizens have drinking water and fire departments will have adequate water supply during an emergency. 

“We are working with local municipalities along Rt-36, south of Frostburg during this water crisis to ensure that citizens have drinking water and fire protection,” Emergency Services Director Dick DeVore said. “We have been monitoring the situation closely.” 

Approximately 2000 residents have been affected by the lack of water. 

Water supply to Lonaconing was discontinued early today to assist the county water department in locating the leak, according to Mayor Jack Coburn’s Facebook post. The mayor is providing regular updates from social media to keep residents informed.

 

Other communities that are affected include Midland and Barton.

“Until further notice any dispatched fire emergency, including house and commercial fires, a tanker task force will be dispatched,” Roger Bennett, deputy director for Allegany County Emergency Services said. 

A tanker task force brings additional fire apparatus with the capacity to carry more water to the scene, Bennett said. 

 

County emergency management is working on deploying bottled water for citizens in the area.

DES will continue to work with the local governments and provide assistance as necessary