First a week of pump problems. Then a week of a boiling water after a filtration problem at the plant. Finally, a water main break.

What's next for customers of Greenville Municipal Authority?

The water main, which broke either late Saturday or early Sunday, was repaired by 2 a.m. Monday, said Maria Kerekes, authority office manager.

The 12-inch line broke on Clinton Street, about 300 yards from the authority office, said Dick Miller, authority board treasurer. The cause was not known, but Miller said sections of the pipe were at least 50 years old.

Mrs. Kerekes said the most recent troubles were "just more of our wonderful good luck."

She said the section of pipe that ran under the railroad track was the most difficult to repair.

Crews were on hand around the clock to repair the break, Mrs. Kerekes said. By 7 p.m. Sunday, Sharon-based Consumers Pennsylvania Water Co. Shenango Valley Division sent a relief crew to help repair the damage.

Officials of the two utilities had not discussed payment for the help, Mrs. Kerekes said Monday, adding that Consumers officials were very gracious in extending their help.

The water-main break was not related to the authority's ongoing problems at its treatment plant, Miller said.

Last week, a new $20,000 pump stopped working after only an hour. Representatives of the pump manufacturer, the authority and the state Department of Environmental Protection and engineers are to meet at 8:30 a.m. today at the authority office to discuss what happened with the pump and what can be done to correct the problem.

Meanwhile, authority customers in Greenville and part of Hempfield Township are asked to continue to conserve water and to boil any they consume, which includes drinking, washing fruits and vegetables and preparing juices and drink mixes. DEP which tests the water for contaminants and will decide when to call off the boil-water advisory, was closed Monday for Veterans Day.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Amanda Smith-Teutsch at:

ateutsch@sharonherald.com