Contractors are replacing old water pipes and valves in Shawangunk following a series of breaks that disrupted water service.

The incident began when a contractor fixing a valve on Viola Street triggered the breakage of three nearby valves.

As a precaution, town officials shut off water service overnight to allow repairs.

All schools in the Wallkill district and local businesses were closed Wednesday morning due to the service disruption.

Residents like Peter Shea understand the necessity of the repairs.

"It's completely understandable," Shea said. "You can't have pipes bursting. You have to turn the water off to fix the pipes. It makes you count your blessings for the normal life you have every day."

Town officials are expressing concern about the condition of the decades-old infrastructure.

The town estimates the repair will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The town is seeking grants to cover the expenses and to upgrade other parts of the system.