About 4,000 people in three cities lose water

An estimated 4,000 businesses and homes were without water in parts of Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Oakland Park when the installation of a utility pole punctured a water main early Friday.

The break happened in the 200 block of Northwest 66th Street, west of North Andrews Avenue. Repair crews were working to fix the damaged line.

“It’s a very distinct area of the county that kind of borders three cities,” said spokesman Ric Barrick. “But, obviously, not the entire area of those three cities.”

precautionary Boil Water Notice has been issued for residents and businesses within this area:

The railroad tracks west of Interstate 95;

North Dixie Highway, north ofCommercial Boulevard, and to Northeast Sixth Avenue, south of Commercial Boulevard;

McNab Road to the north;

East Prospect Road to the south.

The resulting low water pressure may affect drinkingwater quality.

Health officials advise allwater used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is recommended. As an alternative, bottled water may be used.

This notice will remain in effect until the work is completed and a bacteriological survey shows that water is safe to drink,officials said.

For more information, call Broward County at 954-831-3250.