Residents get water pipes repaired thanks to Eyewitness News Investigation

ST. ALBANS (WABC) -- There are lots of wide smiles in a neighborhood in Queens where some folks haven't had water for weeks.

After Eyewitness News' story aired Tuesday on Eyewitness News at 6 about their plight and how they were being forced to pay thousands to repair leaking water pipes, the utilities involved got to work. Free of charge.

Residents welcomed the sound of repairs Thursday morning in St. Albans, Queens.

The utility company, National Grid, and their subcontractor, Hallen Construction, were fixing damaged water pipes leading into homes. Jillian Alfred lives in one of them.

"They informed me they are going to repair everything. I thank Channel 7 for this," Alfred.

Alfred was about to have her water cut off by the city when Eyewitness News got involved.

Neighbor Alvin Patterson, a Transit Authority maintenance man, had his water cut off a month ago.

"I have water that I keep upstairs. I can take a little bird bath before I go to work," Patterson said.

Neither of the neighbors could afford to pay $3,900 up front to repair water pipes that started leaking after National Grid began a project in May to install a new gas line.

The firm maintains their work didn't cause the damage, but agreed to fix the problem as a sign of goodwill.

"It'll be done today?" Eyewitness News Investigative Reporter Sarah Wallace asked.

"It'll be done today," National Grid said.

"I would have been without water, and right now I know that I will be getting my water, so thank you so much for what you've done for me," Alfred said through tears.

"Thank God for you, you helped us out and I really appreciate it. Maybe I can take a good shower tonight," Patterson said.