AUGUSTA — Several Water Street buildings will be without water for part of today.

The buildings affected by the water shutdown needed for the Greater Augusta Utility District’s major ongoing sewer and stormwater project are on the west side of Water Street, between Bond and Bridge streets.

The work is necessary to install a 16-inch diameter water valve in an existing drinking water line, which will allow for improved isolation of that portion of the pipe when the new sewer and stormwater pipes are installed, according to Brian Tarbuck, general manager of the Greater Augusta Utility District.

The work should take about six hours, from 9 a.m. until about 3 p.m., if everything goes according to plan, Tarbuck said. He said circumstances can arise that may extend the shutdown longer than expected.

Water Street buildings expected to be without water include: 38, 62-74, 76-82, 90-98, 158, 162-164 and 166 Water St.

All fire hydrants between Bond and Bridge streets will remain in service, as they feed off another water line.

Prior to the shutdown, the district encouraged residents of the area to store a sufficient quantity of water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and sanitary needs. After the shutdown, district officials said, customers may experience some air or discoloration in their water. If so, they are asked to flush cold water faucets for two to five minutes.

If the water does not clear up after five minutes, users should contact district personnel at 622-3701 or, after 4 p.m., public safety at 626-2370.

Also related to the same project, Bond Street will be closed to eastbound traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Thursday because of construction work by contractor S.E. MacMillan.