SOMERSET — The boil water order in effect since Saturday was lifted by the Somerset Water and Sewer Department Tuesday afternoon after a major water main break near the water treatment facility.

The water department had been testing for signs of coliform bacteria in the water since Sunday.

“We never detected anything at all in all of our testing,” said Superintendent of Water and Sewer Robert Bozikowski shortly after the order was lifted. “This was definitely a precautionary measure.”

The water main break occurred at 2 a.m. near the water treatment plant at the corner of County and Whetstone streets. The break was repaired by 11 a.m.

Because of the severity of the break, sediment was stirred up and the water department erred on the side of caution in calling the advisory.

Bozikowski said it was such a severe break that water was gushing at 9,000 gallons per minute.

Residents and businesses were advised to boil water used for drinking and cooking. Several businesses in town closed or had scaled back service, including Ma Raffa’s, which was offering only take-out meals.

Email Jo C. Goode at jgoode@heraldnews.com.