Elgin main break leaves thousands of homes without water

A break in one of Elgin's primary water mains this evening knocked out service to some 20,000 homes, closed the Gail Borden Public Library, the last two stops along the Metra line and snarled traffic, officials said.

"There's little to no water pressure for about 20,000 households," said Elgin City spokeswoman Sue Olafson. "It's a big (break). Public works crews will be working all through the night to repair it as quickly as possible."

The break occurred at a major main at Kimball Street and Route 31 as rush hour started. That intersection was closed off.

The city activated its emergency phone message system to notify residents.

Olafson said homes south of Wing Street and south of Slade Avenue were affected. No timeline has been established for the pipe to be fixed, she said.