ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The Rotterdam Police Department said Wednesday morning that Lawndale Avenue has been closed from Guilderland Avenue to Sunrise Boulevard. The closure comes after a water main break, which has been affecting area residents since sometime around 3:45 a.m.

The Rotterdam Water Department was on scene and working to repair the water main break, as of 5 a.m. The closed section of Lawndale Avenue will stay shuttered to all traffic for the next several hours, according to police.

Around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Schenectady County Department of Environmental Health issued a boil water order for all addresses on Lawndale Avenue between Guilderland Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard between Vinewood Avenue and Curry Road, and Curry Road between Paul Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard. All tap water should be boiled for one minute, and then allowed to cool before use. Harmful bacteria in the water system could cause diarrhea, cramps, and other problems if water is not boiled.

It is anticipated that the harmful bacteria will be removed within a few days. For more information, contact the Town of Rotterdam at (518) 355-7575 or the Schenectady County Public Health Services at (518) 386-2818.