For the third time in less than a week, a water main has broken in the 1300 block of Notre Dame Avenue, cutting off the supply of water to nearby residents and businesses.

The public works department said they're trying to swiftly fix it.

"The crews will work diligently to put the main back into service," said Geoff Patton, asset management engineer with the water and waste department.

Patton said corrosion is hard to see on mains so breaks are still the best indicator of problems with them.

Crews are waiting for more sophisticated technology to be introduced to help spot corrosion, said Patton.

In the meantime, the city is looking at the pipe under Notre Dame Avenue and whether it should repaired, or replaced.

Patton said the city usually replaces a main if it breaks four times over a five-year period.

Resident Chris Kipling said that the fact the Notre Dame Avenue main has broken three times in less than a week shows it should be replaced. The first break was reported on Sunday afternoon. Two homes had to be evacuated and nearby streets were also flooded. 

While the pipe has a lifespan of about 100 years, the water main in place on Notre Dame Avenue is estimated to be about 103 years old.

The city is saying it is not negligent, stating the breaks could not be predicted.

One restaurant owner in the area, who did not want to speak on camera, said he is being fined by the health department after bringing in jugs of water and opening for business, despite the water main breaks, on Monday and Tuesday.

Chris Kipling said she'd like to see compensation offered for residents.

Mayor Sam Katz said Thursday that if city councillors come forward asking to explore the option, compensation for homeowners affected by the water main breaks could be an option.

So far, no steps have been taken at city hall to consider compensation. 

- with a report from CTV's Nancy Carlson