Massachusetts ? Crews made faster-than-expected progress Sunday repairing a broken pipe that cut the clean water supply to 2 million Boston-area residents, prompting Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to urge schools, businesses and commuters to resume their normal routines as the workweek began.

A boil-water alert remained in effect for Boston and 29 surrounding communities. Health officials warned of the risk of a parasite infection if residents used unboiled tap water for brushing their teeth, washing raw vegetables or making ice. It remained safe for showering and toilet flushing, with one official likening it to lake water.

Officials hoped to finish testing water pressure and quality at some point today, then make decision on lifting the boil-water alert.