A 48-inch water main ruptured near the intersection of Belcher Road and
142nd Avenue North in Largo leaving many residents without water.

The county issued a mandatory boil water notice for South Pinellas County including utility customers south of Belleair Road.

Residents in Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park and some beach communities are without water or with low water pressure. The county is asking that customers north of Belleair Road who are experiencing low pressure or no water also follow the boil water notice.

According to Marq Caughell, public information specialist for Pinellas County,  recent road construction caused the ruptured water main.

Largo police officers rerouted traffic as water began flooding Belcher Road, Thursday night.

Traffic on Belcher Road is closed between 142 Avenue and Ulmerton Road to allow crews to work on the damaged pipes.

Caughell said crews are working to isolate the damaged valves.

"There is no exact timeline," Caughell said.

Once the damaged pipes are isolated the working pipes will be able to pick up the slack and water pressure will return to normal, Caughell said.

Work crews are in the process of obtaining the necessary parts to repair the pipe. But repair is expected to begin Friday, Dec. 24, according to the county.

Pinellas County is asking residents to temporarily reduce any non-essential water use. The boil water notice will remain in effect until water is restored.

"Our crews are working as fast as they can and cautiously to not cause any further damage." Caughell said, "We hope to get it going in a few hours."