Water service has been restored to dozens of homes in Boxford, Massachusetts after the state stepped in. Gov. Maura Healey declared a water emergency, allowing an outside company to fix the problem. 

For days, 53 homes on Andrews Farm Road and Upton Lane did not have water. It was restored at about 4 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.

The neighborhood gets their water from a publicly owned well that's operated by the Andrews Farm Water Company. But, the town said there have been repeated service interruptions and the company didn't returned their calls. 

The town said, "we are grateful for everyone's partnership in restoring safe water service to residents, and we thank the residents for their patience during these trying 3 days."

WBZ-TV also reached out to the company but has not heard back from them.

"This company has a moral obligation and a legal obligation to fulfill the commitment that it has to these residents," said Massachusetts State Senate minority leader Bruce Tarr. "No one should have to come home and wonder if they are going to be able to turn on the tap and get safe water to drink and to cook with."  

Town administrator Matt Coogan said that he was first told the houses had lost water around 8 a.m. Tuesday. He said this is the second time the neighborhood has been without water in ten days.

"It's a very difficult situation. I empathize with all the residents with what they are going through," Coogan said. "It's unacceptable."

"As the infrastructure is getting older and older, we're having breakdowns more often," said Flo Egan, who's lived in the neighborhood for 30 years. 

"It's exhausting"

Resident Laura Leduc said that before Tuesday, they couldn't use the water because of a bacterial issue. 

"When we have water, we can't use it properly," said Leduc. "It's exhausting."    

"It's a health hazard. You know what I mean? You can't take a shower, flushing toilets. It's just been very, very difficult. But it is nice to know that we're not alone," said resident Bob Cassidy.

The town asked Healey to issue a water emergency, which allowed the DPU to take control of the system and find a new operator for the well.

"Public Water Suppliers have a responsibility to provide safe, healthy, and clean water to Massachusetts residents," the governor said in a statement.

The state assigned Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts to take control and determine why there was no water service in the neighborhood.

"It's nice the state is going to ensure that this thing is working properly, and then we'll take it from there," Cassidy said.

"Everyone is focused on this problem," said Tarr. "We will all stay engaged in this to find a long-term solution."

Options for residents

Residents had access to the fire station to shower, use the restroom, and use water from a fire tanker for any non-potable needs. The police station also offered use of a 24-hour restroom and water bottle filling station. Officials also delivered bottled water to homes.

A water tanker with around 8,000 gallons of water is currently in the neighborhood and will remain there through the weekend if needed. 

Aaron Parseghian contributed to this report.