CREWS WORK THURSDAY to repair a water main break off U.S. 2 in Vulcan. The break forced the city of Norway to advise residents conserve water for about seven hours until the problem was fixed. (Chris Tomassucci/Daily News photo)

NORWAY — School classes had to be canceled and residents asked to conserve water for several hours Thursday after Norway had a substantial break to the city’s transmission water main.

A hole was discovered about 8 a.m. in the water main along U.S. 2 in Vulcan that caused the water loss from Norway’s tank. They suspect the break was caused by normal wear over time.

City authorities noted the quick response of its Department of Public Works to identify the source and make the repair by 3 p.m., before the city’s holding tank was exhausted.

“This was an ‘all hands on deck’ day for our entire city staff, and we couldn’t be more proud of how our people handled the situation,” Norway City Mayor Candy Brew and City Manager Dan Stoltman stated in a news release. “Every department had a hand in managing this situation, from our crews on the ground making the repairs to our office staff informing the community.”

(Continued on page 3-A)In addition to city crew members, private companies assisted on site with the repairs, while the Dickinson County emergency management team worked to get information out to residents.

“We couldn’t have done it without all of their help,” they stated.

Residents were able to resume normal water use without restrictions and no water boil advisory has been issued.

The Norway School District and Holy Spirit Catholic School did release students after 10 a.m. as a precaution.

The city will be testing the water to ensure its quality and safety. However, authorities were confident there will be no problems.

They ask that anyone who notices anything different about their water contact the city offices at 906-563-9961.

The city thanked the community for its patience and understanding, and also for doing their part to conserve water.