A contractor accidentally struck a major water line on South Cemetery Road on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, cutting water to parts of St. Martinville and triggering a precautionary citywide boil-water advisory. City crews moved quickly to isolate the damaged section and start repairs, while some residents reported low pressure and on-and-off service. Officials cautioned that even after pressure returns to normal, the advisory will stay in place until laboratory testing confirms the water is safe to drink.
According to KADN News 15, the break happened when a contractor hit a main along South Cemetery Road, effectively isolating that road and its branch streets. The City of St. Martinville said in an online update that crews were on the scene working to fix the damaged main and restore service as fast as possible.
Repairs and advisory status
As reported by KATC, water service has been restored to much of the city, but a precautionary boil-water advisory remains in effect until lab samples clear the system. The CDC advises using bottled water or bringing tap water to a full rolling boil for one minute, or three minutes at high altitude, before using it for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth while an advisory is active.
Regional upgrades under way
The break lands in the middle of broader efforts to modernize aging pipelines around the region. A City of Carencro bid notice shows Phase I-A of a citywide water-main rehabilitation project would install roughly 18,000 feet of 2-, 6-, 8- and 12-inch PVC mains to replace older cast-iron and ductile-iron lines and boost reliability and capacity. Other municipalities across Acadiana have been pursuing similar replacements to reduce leaks and strengthen system resilience.
What residents should do
Until the advisory is lifted, residents are urged to use bottled water or tap water that has been boiled for one minute for drinking, cooking and making ice, and to avoid water from appliances such as refrigerator dispensers. For dishwashing and sanitizing guidance, follow the CDC recommendations and any specific instructions issued by the city or the Louisiana Department of Health.
The City of St. Martinville says it will post updates and sample results on its website and social channels, and customers with questions can contact City Hall for the latest information. City and state lab results will determine when the boil advisory can be lifted and normal service fully resumed.
