A boil alert is in effect for a portion of Kent following a water main break, according to a press release from the Department of Public Service.

The break in the 12-inch water main is affecting water in the area north of Fairchild Avenue, east of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railroad tracks and west of the Cuyahoga River. This includes the entire River Bend neighborhood.

The department issued the boil alert at 4 p.m. yesterday.The city estimated the repairs to restore water service would be made within four to six hours. Even after water service is restored, residents should not use the water for drinking or food preparation.

Kent will issue another release when the water is safe to drink again – a minimum of 30 hours after service is restored based on how long water test procedures take.

– Jackie Valley