(Editor's note: This story was updated at 7:25 p.m.)

The Tampa Water Department has issued a boil water notice for customers located north of Fowler Avenue.

The notice was prompted by the water main break that took place on Bruce B. Down earlier today. That break has added to already heavy traffic on Bruce B. Downs and led to the closing of the New Tampa YMCA for today and possibly tomorrow.

"The rupture of a water main in north Tampa has affected a large portion of Tampa's water service area," a water department media release said. "Customers may be experiencing a loss or drop in pressure or a complete service outage at this time."

It is unclear why the 54-inch water pipe ruptured, said Brad Baird, Water Department director. The water supply is being switched to a newly constructed water main, which was due to go online two weeks from now.

It is unclear how many customers are affected by the break, Baird said. Workers are on scene addressing the problem and most — though not all — customers should have water by 10 p.m. tonight, Baird said. Some customers who have water restored will temporarily have low pressure, however.

The precautionary boil water notice is valid for all Tampa Water Department customers north of Fowler avenue, the release said. Also, "customers in other areas where water pressure has dropped or where an interruption has occurred also should boil water as a precaution."

To find out more about boil water notices, see the PDF included with this story.

Stay with Patch for more details as they become available.

Receive updates to this story and other breaking news in your inbox or smartphone by signing up for our newsletter here