TRAFFIC on Byng and Woodward streets was thrown into chaos at about 4.40pm on Wednesday when a contractor broke through two water mains.
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Police stopped and diverted traffic while Orange Fire Brigade officers and SES members began sandbagging entrances to Byng Street homes when the torrent of water began to threaten properties.
SES spokesman Kim Stevens said the flow had begun to subside by 5.30pm.
Orange City Council spokesman Allan Reeder said an emergency crew from council was dispatched to the scene immediately.
"Two pipes were damaged - a 250ml pipe and an 100ml pipe," Mr Reeder said.