Just after sunrise on Friday, Baltimore County faced major disruption as a significant water main break sent gallons of water down York Road in Hunt Valley. This water main break, impacting thousands, quickly became the region’s top concern as officials moved to close a major stretch of roadway and initiated emergency repairs.
City and county crews responded promptly after the 30-inch main ruptured near Shawan Road, causing flooding and widespread water outages for homes and businesses. York Road, a lifeline for commuters and local enterprises, is currently closed in both directions from Schilling Road to Ashland Road, with no vehicles permitted except emergency crews. Those traveling through Hunt Valley have been advised to use Interstate 83 or alternate routes as major detours remain in place.
Emergency Response and Local Impact
Authorities say the water main break dealt a blow to local businesses. Parking lots and storefronts quickly filled with water, and some businesses were forced to shut their doors for the day or longer. Residents and business owners alike expressed frustration, noting water was “shooting through the air” as the main split open.
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) confirmed that water service is fully shut off in the immediate area as a safety precaution. DPW crews, joined by Baltimore County officials, have been on-site since the incident was first reported, preparing for around-the-clock repair operations.
Key Points Summary
Quick-glance updates for fast readers:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Break Location | York Road (between Schilling & Ashland), Hunt Valley |
| Pipe Size | 30-inch water main |
| Road Closure | 2 days (minimum), full closure in both directions |
| Water Service | Shut off in affected area; distribution points set up |
| Alternate Route | I-83 (detour recommended) |
| Who’s Impacted? | Nearby homes, multiple businesses, commuters |
- Commuters face delays and must detour off York Road.
- Businesses in Hunt Valley, such as Valley View Farms, have temporarily lost all water access and are voicing economic concerns.
- Water distribution is available at Giant parking lot, 11399 York Road in Cockeysville, through midnight; will reopen 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Water Main Break Disrupts Daily Life
Officials emphasize that they are working as quickly as possible, but there’s no definitive timeline for a full restoration yet. Residents north of Shawan Road, served by a water tower, are urged to conserve water—this reserve will not be replenished until repairs are complete.
Baltimore County Executive Katherine Klausmeier assured the public during Friday’s press briefing that every resource is being deployed to expedite work on the break and subsequent road repairs. The county’s emergency operations center is available 24/7 for residents’ concerns and more water is being distributed, with special attention to nursing homes and medical facilities.
“While this water main is Baltimore City’s infrastructure, we are working closely with Baltimore City Department of Public Works and the Mayor’s office to restore services as fast and safely as possible,” Klausmeier said.
DPW teams are moving cautiously to avoid additional surges or pipe breaks. As this section of York Road is part of aging infrastructure, plans for a permanent replacement are already under review, but immediate repairs have top priority.
When Will Water and Traffic Return?
- No exact timeframe; crews will work through the night and updates will be posted by city and county officials.
- Road repairs will follow after the water line is fixed.
- Nearby areas may still experience low water pressure until repairs are complete.
Table: Emergency Support for Residents
| Location | Service |
|---|---|
| Giant parking lot (11399 York Rd, Cockeysville) | Water distribution (midnight cutoff; reopens Sat 8:30 a.m.) |
| Emergency Operations Center | 24/7 hotline for assistance |
How to Stay Updated and Safe
Authorities urge affected residents to:
- Conserve water until service resumes in full.
- Follow local alerts and DPW social channels for ongoing news and road status.
- Use designated distribution centers for potable water if needed.
- Contact the Emergency Operations Center for urgent needs.
If you notice flooding or other safety hazards, notify authorities immediately.
Water Main Break: The Broader Picture
Recent months have seen a spike in water main breaks across Baltimore County, often caused by infrastructure age and temperature-related ground shifts. The current water main break underlines the urgent need for expanded replacement programs, which are under discussion by local officials.
Have you been affected by the road closure or water interruption? Share your experience in the comments below, or keep checking back for the latest updates from county officials.