LUDLOW, Mass. - Some cities and towns in Hampden County are dealing with the aftermath of a 36-inch water main break behind the Big Y on St. James Ave. in Springfield Tuesday. 

Ludlow health director Paulina Matusik said she was told by the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission the town had been impacted Tuesday afternoon as well.

"We were notified that almost all of Ludlow was out of water," Matusik said. "This happened probably around 4 p.m., so from that time on, because we had no running water, we had to close down any public businesses. So restaurants or like town hall had to get closed down, Boys and Girls Club. Because of there's no access to running water, places of business can't be open to the public."

Matusik said the town did get running water back that evening, but a boil order was issued by Springfield Water and Sewer. She said schools were open on Wednesday, but with safety precautions in place.

"They can follow Mass Department of Public Health regulations, so providing water to students," Matusik said. "I know the school superintendent sent out an email advising parents to send their kids with water to schools."

Springfield Water and Sewer did give an update Wednesday morning, saying the boil order is still in effect for parts of Ludlow and Wilbraham. 

Matusik said the boil order means peoples should use bottled water as an alternative for drinking, ice, brushing teeth and washing dishes.

"Basically a boil order means that the water is contaminated," she said. "And you need to, if you're using water, you have to bring it to a boil for at least one minute before you use it. So if you're using it to cook, make sure if you're using tap water you just bring it to a boil for at least for one minute and then you can cook your dinner. "

Residents should monitor their town websites for update on the water quality.