Around 30 people in Shelby Park have access to water restored after Tuesday's massive pipe break

Roughly 30 residents in Shelby Park that were still without water Wednesday had their access restored around 5 p.m. as crews continued to work to repair a 124-year-old pipe that burst Tuesday and spilled millions of gallons of water into the streets. 

Louisville Water officials had said they had plans to repair part of the water main by Wednesday evening. 

"The priority today is restoring water service to approximately 30 customers near the break site at Oak and Clay streets," Louisville Water Spokeswoman Kelley Dearing-Smith said in a statement earlier in the day.

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►Do I need to boil my water? Check this map to be sure
►Take a look as crews clean up Shelby Park after the flood
►Norton, Jewish Hospital delay surgeries due to main break

More than 4,500 customers around that area were advised to boil their water to get rid of possible contaminants. The advisory was lifted around 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

"Because of the catastrophic nature of this break, our scientists are taking a lot of precautionary measures," Dearing-Smith told Courier Journal. 

Residents such as 63-year-old Cynthia Prince said early Wednesday that not having water has been difficult. The 26-year Shelby Park resident lives just three houses away from the water main break at Oak and Jackson streets. 

"I just have water that I can use to flush the toilet, I don't have any water to drink," Prince said. "I've never seen anything like this." 

Prince said she is currently fighting the flu and not having fluids available has been tough. While her house was unhurt, she said her two cars, a Lincoln and a Jeep, were damaged from the flow of water. 

She said she is working with Louisville Water to file a claim. Dearing-Smith said the company is unsure of the number of cars and homes damaged by the flooding. 

The Louisville Water Company has a risk department which will work with customers affected by the damage. 

"This is very similar to unplanned natural disasters, no one is ready for this," Dearing-Smith said. "We advise people to reach out to your insurance companies as well as our risk department. We do our best to be a good neighbor." 

Residents affected by the flooding or who have experienced damages are advised to call (888) 535-6262 as well as their insurance company. 

Thomas Novelly: 502-582-4465; tnovelly@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @TomNovelly. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/tomn.

Do I need to boil my water? 

More than 4,500 Louisville residents were advised to boil their water after a 124-year-old water main broke Tuesday in Shelby Park. 

For future reference, if your home is under a boil advisory area, here's how you make sure you consume water safely:

Step 1: Bring all water used for cooking, drinking or food preparation to a rolling boil.

Step 2: Allow water to boil for at least three minutes.

Step 3: Avoid chilled water lines on your refrigerator. Stick to the boiled water. 

Step 4: Do not use ice from automatic ice machines either. 

Those with concerns are advised to contact the Louisville Water Company at 888-535-6262.