AUGUSTA — Water service will be out for about 15 city users today along Water Street as a section of an old water main is abandoned.

The section runs from between Bridge and Bond streets and the shutdown is expected to last from about 2 p.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. today, according to a press release from the Greater Augusta Utility District.

“The scheduled water interruption is necessary to discontinue a section old water main in Bond Street,” the utility release states. “The contractor will apply due diligence to complete the job as scheduled and in the timeframe mentioned above. However, circumstances can arise that may extend the shutdown timeframe a little longer than expected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

The 6-inch, cast-iron water main is being abandoned to make way for a new 36-inch sewer stormwater pipe that’s part of a larger project by the utility district.

“The good news is, we won’t have to shut them down again,” said Brian Tarbuck, the district’s general manager.

District officials asked users in the Water Street area to store a sufficient quantity of water for  drinking, cooking, cleaning and sanitary needs. After the shutdown, the district said it will try to minimize off-colored water, but there is still a possibility that could happen.

Affected users should flush their cold water faucets for two to five minutes. If the water does not clear up after five minutes, contact district personnel at 622-3701.