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Thousands In AACo. Spend Day Without Running Water

LAUREL, Md. (WJZ) -- A major disruption for tens of thousands of people in Anne Arundel County, who woke up Friday morning without water. A large water main break is affecting homeowners on the first day of the holiday weekend.

Christie Ileto explains the water is finally back on, but some problems still remain.

At 11 p.m., some residents still didn't have water or had low water pressure. This comes nearly four hours after service was supposed to have been restored.

They came with jugs and buckets, weathering the last 17 and a half hours with no running water.

"We got up this morning to go to work, and I didn't go to work today. So 6 p.m., there's no water," said Koran Balemats.

Crews spend the entire day rushing to repair a 40-foot long damaged pipe during an early morning water main break near Little Patuxent River.

Faucets for 30,000 residents in Anne Arundel County run dry.

"It was due to riverbank erosion that has occurred apparently over time with these recent storms we've had," said Chris Phipps, Department of Public Works.

Erosion that leaves three 20-foot segments of the pipe exposed with more than just residents who rely on this one line.

Pizza employees make four trips to one of two fill-up stations for 20 gallons of water.

Reporter: "What is the water for? Cleaning dishes?"

Employees: "Yes. Just for the dishes."

Friday would have been opening day at the Laurel Park racetrack, but with no running water, they were forced to close.

"Bought this. And went into the bathroom and did those, and now this is for drinking and cleaning up and cooking," said one man.

Residents simply make the best of their situation and wait out their water woes.

For those whose water has returned, you are asked to run your tap for at least five minutes to clear any discoloration.

As of now, Laurel Park is planning to go on with races Saturday. Post-time is at 1:30 p.m.

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