Water main break settlements an issue in Philly City Council

Some West Philadelphia residents who got flooded by a summer water main break say they’re still waiting on the city. 

That’s angering City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.

 

It was back in June that a major main break flooded 52nd Street near Wyalusing Avenue.  Blackwell says residents are still having problems related to flooding.

“We shouldn’t have people who for example don’t have water heaters who the city has decided if they had an old bill they shouldn’t be taken care of,” she said.

Barry Scott, deputy finance director for risk management, says the city is trying to resolve the remaining claims.

“A number of the remaining claims are represented by attorneys,” Scott said.  “In those instances we can’t work through the homeowner, we have to work through the attorney.”

Councilwoman Blackwell says she wants all mains that are 100 years or older inspected annually as part of an effort to prevent more breaks and floods.