Earth Changes and the Pole Shift
Water Main Breaks Gusher
Water main break destroys street near Los Angeles, California - July 29, 2014
"All the land between New England and Mexico is being pulled at a diagonal, and it is not just the fault lines that are feeling stress. All will participate when the New Madrid Fault makes a serious adjustment." ZetaTalk
Since 2013, a conspicuous number of water main breaks and sinkholes have been reported across the U.S. While water lines commonly rupture during winter months, especially in regions experiencing subfreezing temperatures, large water mains are fracturing in southern states where ground temperatures remain above freezing.
Notable water main breaks and sinkholes during the first 6 days of 2013:
January 1
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - "Super Sinkhole Walter" and 40 Others
Harrisburg officials expect it will take several weeks to repair damage from a massive sinkhole that forced dozens of residents to evacuate.
The city’s Department of Public Works said it could be another 30 days before water, sewer and gas lines are replaced in the neighborhood where the sinkhole is causing problems. "Super Sinkhole Walter," as the North Fourth Street collapse has been called, is big enough to have its own Foursquare check-in location.
On Thursday, the massive hole partially swallowed a construction backhoe.
The hole opened Monday morning, and later opened a bigger hole.
A spokesman for Mayor Linda Thompson said the city must replace the entire water and sewer system lines on the block.
The spokesman, Robert Philbin, said new water and sewer lines will not be working for five to six weeks.
These two large sinkholes in the 2100 block of North Fourth Street are among at least 40 sinkholes covered by steel plates citywide, according to Kevin Hagerich, director of the city’s Department of Public Works.
Interactive Map of Known Sinkholes in Harrisburg
Sources
http://tribwpmt.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/2013-01-01_14-41-38_69.jpg?w=900
http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1303509877/Harrisburg-sinkhole-swallows-backhoe
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/01/interactive_map_of_the_harrisb.html
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January 3
Malibu, California - Recurring Water Main Breaks
Another water main break in Malibu collapsed part of John Tyler Drive as crews worked to repair the leak.
A broken water main and partially collapsed road have narrowed traffic to one lane on Malibu Country Drive near John Tyler Drive.
Between 30 and 35 customers in Malibu Country Estates are without water. Los Angeles County Public Works received a call about a partially collapsed roadway on Malibu Country Drive at 9:30 a.m, according to spokesman Mike Kaspar.
Kaspar said the road is cut down to one lane for approximately 100 yards.
This is the second water main break reported in Malibu in as many days. On Wednesday, the main that supplies water to the Adamson House broke and employees from Public Works worked overnight on a temporary fix and permanent reroute of the underground pipeline. Westbound traffic on Pacific Coast Highway was cut down to one lane between Malibu Inn and Serra Road while crews made the repair.
Grand Rapids, Michigan - Big Hole / Deep Water
A water main break has closed the westbound lanes of 44th Street between Division Avenue and U.S. 131 in Wyoming, Michigan
A broken valve is causing complications in repairing the break in a 16-inch water main and the road may be closed until Saturday, authorities now say.
The valve, which broke in a partially-closed position, must be replaced before the water main can be fixed, Wyoming Director of Public Works William Dooley said in a statement on Friday, Jan. 4.
The water main broke area of 44th Street SW and Clay Avenue on Thursday.
The westbound lanes of 44th Street are closed near Clay Avenue, and Clay is closed from 44th Street north to Louisiana Avenue.
Dooley said the repair is taking much longer than anticipated because of the valve problem. Water is still flowing from the main because the valve cannot be closed.
A private contractor has been called to help city crews and they expect to fix the valve this afternoon.
Dooley said the water main break has not affected drinking water to area residents.
“Once the valve has been replaced, we will start work to repair the water main and hope to have that wrapped up yet today. We recognize and apologize for the inconvenience that this has caused to businesses, area residents and motorists and are working as quickly as we can to return things to normal," Dooley said in the statement.
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January 4
New Orleans, Louisiana - Cajun Geyser
A water main break in the middle of Adams Street near Maple poured water into the streets Friday afternoon.
Sewerage and Water Board crews arrived on the scene around 1:30 pm to address the incident.
An hour or so later, the break erupted into a full-blown geyser, showering Adams Street with water.
Water was rising on the sides of the street near several Uptown businesses, creeping up on the tires of some cars.
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January 5
Atlanta, Georgia
A massive water main break caused headaches for both residents and drivers on Clairmont Road in Chamblee, more than 24 hours after it first happened.
A huge hole opened up in the road between Airport Road and Wingate Road Saturday morning. Residents in the area were without water for much of the weekend after the 30-inch water main break.
DeKalb County spokesman Burke Brennan told Channel 2 Action News that they first had to clear out the water from the hole to determine the cause before they could begin repairing it. Major damage to the road and the sidewalk could still be seen well into Sunday morning.
Brennan says the pipe's age could have been a factor in the break.
Police were on the scene to re-direct traffic away from the area near DeKalb-Peachtree Airport.
Sacramento, California
Water main break floods East Sacramento neighborhood
A 16-inch water main broke Saturday morning, turning two streets into ponds and damaging several homes along 39th and D Streets.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority says that a 30-inch line broke in the Oakland/Bloomfield area near the South Millvale Bridge at Morewood Street.
Two Port Authority stations and a portion of bus routes were closed after the water main break.
The break happened in North Oakland around 6 a.m. and the Neville Ramp, Herron and Negley Port Authority stations were closed as a result, our news partners at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.
The East Liberty station is as far as inbound buses can go and outbound buses will make it to the 26th Street Ramp, the Post-Gazette says.
Officials said the water main break exposed a 24-inch Equitable gas line.
“Public Safety is our No. 1 concern,” Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority Director of Operations Tom Palmosina said in a press release. “PWSA crew responded immediately and began isolating the leak.”
PWSA officials said that all efforts are being focused on the gas line.
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January 6
Seattle, Washington
A large water main break on Sunday caused the closure of State Route 20 in Port Townsend near the ferry terminal.
Around 3 a.m., Police and Public Works responded to the 1800 block of Water Street where the break was reported near the Tides Inn and Suites.
Portions of State Route 20 pavement were raised several inches above the original road bed as pressure from the water pushed up to the surface. When crews first arrived on scene they found water running west down the road. At least one business, The Food Co-op, 414 Kearney Street, had flood damage as water rushed into the building.
The closure affects commuters traveling to the Port Townsend-Coupeville ferry route. Detour routes for ferry traffic have been set up through city streets.
Water to at least a dozen businesses and residents was shut off but was restored by 3:30 p.m.
The Department of Transportation will not have materials available to begin repairing the highway until sometime Monday, according to Claudia Bingham Baker, WSDOT communications manager.
Detours will remain in place until crews determine the road is safe to reopen, which would occur Monday at the earliest.
The cause of the break is under investigation.
Howard
Ruptured Water Main Creates Geyser in Napa, California (Sept 21)
Water shot about 100 feet into the air at about 3 p.m. Saturday after a water main apparently broke along southbound Highway 29 and Devlin Road in south Napa County.
For about an hour, vehicles slowed as drivers snapped photos of the jet that shot water and dirt into the air as public works employees for the city of Napa tried to slowly shut down valves.
The cause of the break was not immediately known.
Source
http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/water-main-breaks-sprays-i...
Sep 22, 2013
Howard
Multiple Water Mains Rupture Across Jackson, Mississippi (Sept 27)
Residents across the city are under a boil water notice. Those areas affected include Petit Bois, Avery Circle, Whitworth Street, Forest Park Drive and River Oaks Place.
The boil water notice will remain in effect for at least two days since two consecutive days of clean water testing results are required.
Residents are urged not to drink tap water or use ice from the freezer without a filter. Residents can cook or wash dishes, but must boil the tap water for at least one minute before using it. Bathing is safe as long as the water is not swallowed.
Sources
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130927/NEWS/130927007/Jackso...
http://www.wjtv.com/story/23553183/flash-flooding-for-water-main-br...
Sep 28, 2013
Derrick Johnson
Water main break forces closure of Washington Avenue near Juniper
ESCONDIDO, CA — A water main break has snarled traffic in central Escondido by creating a sink hole on Washington Avenue between Juniper Street and Waverly Place, city officials said.
The street has been closed indefinitely pending pipe and road repairs. Water has been shut off in the area.
Crews from the state Department of Transportation were trying to figure out exactly which water line was broken and how to fix it just after 5 p.m., city officials said.
City Councilman John Masson, who works nearby, said spectators gathered to watch the unusual scene Friday afternoon.
"The whole road from curb to curb was puffed up about six inches," Masson said. "It was quite amazing to see. The water was bubbling out and they finally shut it off."
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/27/escondido-sink-hole-traf...
Oct 6, 2013
Howard
2 Water Mains Blow in Omaha, Nebraska (Oct 7)
A geyser at 85th and Center coincided with another water main break two blocks away in downtown Omaha Nebraska.
About 40 commercial and business customers were affected.
The cause of the breaks are under investigation,
Sources
http://nebraskaradionetwork.com/2013/10/07/there-she-blows-water-ma...
http://www.omaha.com/article/20131007/NEWS/131008992/1707
Oct 8, 2013
Howard
Water Main Erupts in Seattle Washington (Oct 8)
A 16-inch water main ruptured near University Village on Tuesday afternoon.
Fire alarms across the University of Washington campus were set off by the sudden drop in water pressure.
The water main is a major one for the city but it was unclear how many water customers were affected. Inspectors were still at the scene late Tuesday afternoon, trying to identify the location of the break and the cause.
"It was a lot of water," said Josh Dautremont, who was working at Eureka Burger when the water main broke. "It was hitting the bridge." (the Northeast 45th Street viaduct running from the University of Washington to the shopping center).
The Starbucks nearest the water main was closed but other stores remained open, though with few customers.
Water flowed through the shopping center's parking lot but sandbags were placed in time to divert the widening lake into drains, where large whirlpools formed.
Sources
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Water-main-break-at-Universi...
http://mynorthwest.com/11/2370594/Water-main-break-floods-Seattles-...
Oct 9, 2013
Howard
Massive Water Main Break Near Baltimore, Maryland (Oct 9)
"It looked like a geyser, just shooting over the trees. You couldn't see beyond like on the other side of Putty Hill," said Kathy Fallon, who lives off Putty Hill Ave.
It shot through the trees and nearly knocked out Putty Hill Park. The pressure brought down tree branches and created a river on Putty Hill Ave., in between Perring Pkwy. and Old Harford Rd.
The hole in the busted water main is about a foot wide. The water pushed off the storm drain cover and broke apart bricks underground.
24-inch water main break is in the 2300 block of Putty Hill Avenue, and the road was closed from Perring Parkway to Old Harford Road.
Officials say the water pressure forcibly moved a slab of concrete and a manhole several feet.
“It did a lot of damage to the sidewalk."said Kurt Kocher, Baltimore City Department of Public Works.
Sources
http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/region/baltimore_county/water-main...
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/parkvill...
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/10/09/24-hours-later-residents-i...
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/10/08/baltimore-county-water-mai...
Oct 10, 2013
Derrick Johnson
Water main break opens sinkhole on west side
Posted: Tuesday, October 8, 2013 8:55 pm | Updated: 7:23 am, Wed Oct 9, 2013.
By Anne Constable
The New Mexican | 0 comments
A water main break early Tuesday opened up a 20-foot-long, oval-shaped sinkhole at Camino Sierra Vista and Oñate Place, released a river of water, disrupted traffic in the west-side neighborhood and left 50 homes without water while crews worked into the night to repair the problem.
Jennifer Trujillo said water began gushing through the break in the asphalt, filling the hole and running down the street starting at about 12:45 p.m. She said she was worried about her home’s foundation, although when she checked the basement in the afternoon it was not wet.
She was trying to figure out how to get out to collect her children, 14 and 16, from school — and how she was going to cook dinner without water. She said her father, who lives next door, had anticipated such a situation and filled some plastic bottles with drinking water.
Vicenta Trujillo, 84, used the opportunity to collect runaway water with a ten-gallon bucket and water her trees.
The water pulsed through the break under high pressure for about three and a half hours. The city’s emergency manager, Andrew Phelps, didn’t have an estimate of how much water was lost, but, “It was a lot.”
He said crews were able to shut the water off at about 4:10 p.m.
The homes left without water Tuesday evening were along Camino Sierra Vista between Salazar and Alarid streets. Phelps said it would take about another 12 hours to replace the section of water main that ruptured. He blamed the break on aging infrastructure.
Staff from the City Water Division, Public Utilities Department, Public Works Department, police, firefighters, New Mexico Gas and Public Service Company of New Mexico all responded to the emergency.
PNM was worried that the high volume of water might threaten a utility poll in the area and the company shut off power to about 140 homes in case it fell down. Phelps said power should be restored Tuesday night.
The high pressure and turbidity of the water pushed dirt and rocks around, loosening the base of the pavement, “creating a bridge where there should be no bridge,” Phelps said. The substructure of the road was washed away and water gushed through the cracks, Phelps said. The sinkhole measures about 20 feet long and 12 to 14 feet across.
The storm drains did their job, he added. Some water flowed past the first drains in the road, but at about the fourth or fifth drain, Phelps said, the road was fairly dry. He said there were no reports of flooding.
Phelps said there was a delay in shutting off water pressure because crews had a hard time finding the correct valve. When they did find the right one (near Alarid Street), it was hard to turn off because of the high pressure.
Phelps said city utility crews will assess where further work is needed on the water main. By Tuesday evening they had pumped the water from the sinkhole.
It typically takes 24 hours to restore water to residential pipes. Meanwhile traffic was being diverted. There also is some ongoing roadwork on St. Francis Drive between Mercer Street and Camino Sierra Vista.
Dolores Martinez, who lives right across from the sinkhole, said she and her husband, Ben, had both power and water because their house is not connected to the main that broke. She said the crawl space under their home was OK.
Standing outside surveying the scene, she said, “It’s the biggest mess you have ever seen. It’s like being in a sci-fi movie. It was unimaginable.”
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/article_4ffcb38f-7...
Oct 11, 2013
Howard
Ruptured Water Main Geyser in Houston Texas (Oct 13)
The water main break was reported around noon Sunday on Fondren and West Airport.
A city of Houston employee wasn't sure how many homes were affected by the water outage but said it was significant.
"It's a very large main that they're trying to repair," the city employee said.
Crews initially estimated it would take five hours to repair, but it ended up taking about 12 hours.
No additional details were released.
Source
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9285661
Oct 16, 2013
Howard
Ruptured UK Water Main Blows 100-Ft Geyser (Oct 22)
Shoddy editing from Daily Mail.
It blasted into the sky, before crashing to the ground - sending water gushing through the surrounding streets.
Resident Harry Jonson, 66, said he and his neighbours were told to stay indoors to avoid being injured by the enormous jet.
'We were told to stay indoors as the water was so powerful it was blowing rocks into the air.
'I've never seen anything like it before.'
Source
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2471711/Punctured-mains-pip...
Oct 23, 2013
Howard
Boston Water Main Blows 5 Stories High (Oct 23)
Boston officials battled a large water main break in the middle of A Street near Congress Street. The “geyser” reached about five stories in the air—roughly 60 feet.
Sources
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2013/10/23/south-boston-wat...
Oct 25, 2013
Howard
Water Main Geyser in N. Virginia Soaks Row of Townhouses (Oct 25)
News4's Melissa Mollet said the geyser appeared to be three times the height of a nearby power line., blasting water in the direction of townhouses for about an hour, flooding an entire row before crews could shut off the water.
A Fairfax Water spokesperson tells us a break occurred in a 30-inch pipe.
At least one fire unit responded to the scene due to water spraying on a nearby transformer, causing it to spark.
Sources
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Broken-Water-Main-Break-Pro...
http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/280416/158/Crews-working-to-repai...
Oct 26, 2013
Derrick Johnson
Long Beach water main break floods streets
LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities in Long Beach worked to repair a water main break Saturday on Pacific Avenue between Spring and 33rd streets.
Roads in the immediate area were blocked off due to severe flooding.
The break happened around 4:00 a.m., cutting off water service to about 22 homes in the area.
As of 9 a.m., crews were still working to restore service, but it's unknown how long that will take.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&am...
Oct 27, 2013
Derrick Johnson
Broken Water Main Floods Exclusive Neighborhood in Tarzana
Multiple fire trucks were responding to flooding in the streets of a community of million-dollar homes in Tarzana on Thursday evening after an apparent water main break.
Water ran through the streets and into the yard of this home in Tarzana on Thursday evening. (Credit: KTLA)
Water was coursing through the street near Brewster and Topeka drives (map), aerial video showed.
Fire officials said the main burst in front of a home under construction on Brewster Drive.
The water affected about six homes in the area, mostly flooding yards and garages, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
One major problem was a boundary wall surrounding one property that started to act like a dam.
“You can see we had to breach a wall at the home… on the corner in order to let the water out of the back yard because it was building up,” LAFD Chief Brian Schultz said. “It was about two and a half feet deep when we got here.”
Another concern was the possibility of sinkholes at the site of the break.
http://ktla.com/2013/10/24/lafd-responds-to-streets-flooded-in-tarz...
Oct 27, 2013
Howard
Broken Water Main Blasts Geyser in Hawaii (Nov 4)
A broken water main sent a 50-foot geyser shooting into the sky early Monday, launching bricks and other debris onto the street. Residents on Kanakou Place on Mariner's Ridge reported damage to vehicles from the falling debris.
Source
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/23868787/broken-water-main-sends...
Nov 5, 2013
Derrick Johnson
Neighbors fed up over multiple water main breaks
HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) - After weeks of dealing with no water pressure and thousands of gallons of water pouring into their streets, people in Highland Park are fed up this morning.
That's because there's three water main breaks, and the city isn’t doing anything about it.
The main area affected by these breaks is Brighton Street & Rosa Parks.
The water continues to bubble up through the cracks in the roadway, and has been an issue for several weeks.
One of the breaks is on Detroit's side of the city line, and the other two are on the Highland Park side.
In fact, Judge Carroll Little owns rentals in the area, and he tells us his tenants can’t even use their own toilets.
He called the 7 Action News team to see if we could try and get to the bottom of this problem.
We'll be placing a call to Highland Park and Detroit on Thursday, to find out their plans in getting the problem fixed.
Stay with 7 Action News as we look to fix this ongoing issue.
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/wayne_county/neighbors-fed-up-o...
Nov 9, 2013
Derrick Johnson
(More Than 700 Breaks in Indianapolis this year)
Water main break could cost you
By Daniel Miller
Updated: Wednesday, November 13, 2013, 10:57 PM EST
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A water main break caused some major headaches Wednesday afternoon for drivers in Indianapolis.
24-Hour News 8 learned that type of break is part of a growing problem that could end up costing you.
Crews repaired that water main break, which was at 21st Street and Lafayette Road. It's one of more than 700 breaks that have happened in the city this year. Citizen's Energy Group said with an aging system underground and not enough money to make repairs, these breaks will continue to happen.
It's not hard to miss the massive hole that took up parts of the road.
"The hole was caused by the water main break," said Sarah Holsapple with Citizens Energy Group.
The break disrupted traffic and closed off two lanes. Citizens Energy Group said it's nothing new. Earlier this summer, a break closed off a portion of West Washington Street. They are just two of nearly 700 breaks in Indianapolis so far this year.
"We know that in Indianapolis we have aging infrastructure and when infrastructure ages and we don't have the money to make repairs these are the kinds of things that happen," Holsapple said.
Holsapple said the system needs upgrades and repairs and in order to do that, their nearly 300,000-plus customers may have to pay up.
"We asked for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to consider a water rate increase earlier this year. We still don't have a ruling back on that yet," she said.
Citizens Engery is asking its customers for a $3 increase. Holsapple said an average monthly bill of $31 would go up to $34.
"An increase like that would give us about $114 million to spend on things like repairing water mains and also replacing aging mains so we can prevent this thing from happening all together," she said.
This would not be the first rate increase. In 2011, the utility agreed to fund fixes down the middle - 50 percent from its customers and 50 percent from borrowing. Now they are proposing customers pay 75 percent of the cost to fix the aging system.
"We need the money to be able to fix and we think it's vital," Holsapple said.
Citizens Energy Group says they can't come out and just increase your bill. That has to go through the IURC. 24-Hour News 8 talked with them late Wednesday afternoon regarding this case. A spokeswoman for the IURC said the case is still pending. The IURC said it will be a couple of months before a final decision is made.
http://www.wishtv.com/news/indiana/water-main-break-could-cost-you
Google Maps
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Water Main Break in Oshtemo
Updated: Wednesday, November 13 2013, 06:40 AM EST OSHTEMO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Crews have been working to patch up a water main break Wednesday morning. It happened on 9th near Heritage Christian Academy which is between W. KL Avenue and Stadium. Officials on scene tell Newschannel 3 it is all patched up now and all water service should be restored. They are now just waiting on a crew this morning to refill the hole left behind. We're working to learn more about what may have caused the break.
http://wwmt.com/shared/news/features/top-stories/stories/wwmt_water...
Google Maps
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Water main breaks in GH
A water main break occurred at the corner of Orchard and Hillcrest on Wednesday morning. This means water is shut off and a street is closed while repairs are being made.
Tribune Staff
Nov 13, 2013
The City of Grand Haven's Department of Public Works has closed Hillcrest, from Orchard to Arlington, and water will be shut off to the 1600 and 1700 blocks of Hillcrest and the 500 blocks of Orchard and Arlington while repairs are made.
Water service will be restored upon completion of the repairs. Once the water turns back on, there may be a slight discoloration of the water, which should be cleared by running water in the bathtub or utility sink.
The repairs are expected to take until about 4 p.m. Wednesday to complete.
For further information, or to report an emergency related to this event, contact the city at 616-847-3493.
http://www.grandhaventribune.com/article/689966
Google Maps
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Boiling Springs dealing with another water main break, sinkhole
The Boiling Springs area is once again dealing with a major sinkhole caused by a water main break, leading one South Middleton Township supervisor to fear more could follow.
The latest water main break was reported at about 3 p.m. Tuesday, when a crew collecting leaves spotted water bubbling through the road along Walnut Street between Second and Third street, according to Supervisor Tom Faley.
A short time later, crews discovered the water had eroded the dirt from underneath both lanes of Walnut Street, a portion of sidewalk and part of a nearby front yard.
But the roadway itself remained intact, something Faley said he found troubling.
"What if it collapsed as a school bus full of children drove by?" Faley said.
Tuesday's sinkhole and water main break are near another that occurred along the 200 block of Walnut Street in February. One home was later condemned.
Faley said he will recommend the township authority board look at replacing other water mains in the area so a third break and sinkhole does not occur.
"As a supervisor, I'm concerned that two major leaks have occurred so close together," Faley said.
Walnut Street is expected to remain closed to traffic until this evening, Faley said.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/11/boiling_springs_...
Google Maps
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Charlotte Catholic High dismisses early after water main break
Students at Charlotte Catholic High School had a short day Wednesday due to a water main break.
Officials dismissed students at 9 a.m. after they were forced to shut off water at the school.
Cam Coley, a spokesman for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities, said the school was working to deal with the problem. He said that if school officials determined the water main break did not happen on their property, then CMUD would get involved.
The school celebration of Mass was postponed from Wednesday morning until Thursday. Catholic High’s football team, preparing for a first-round playoff game Friday night, practiced immediately after school was dismissed Wednesday.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/11/13/4462215/charlotte-catho...
Google Maps
Nov 14, 2013
Derrick Johnson
Tempe crews repair water main break
by Jennifer Thomas
TEMPE, Ariz. – Crews worked all day to repair a water main break at Broadway Road and Priest Drive in Tempe.
A 6-foot hole in the roadway was reported.
The eastbound lanes were closed for several hours Thursday morning. One eastbound lane was later open for through traffic. All lanes were opened shortly before 6 p.m.
The westbound lanes remained open
http://www.azfamily.com/news/Tempe-crews-working-to-repair-water-ma...
Google Maps
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UMSL Cancels Classes After Water Main Break
ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A water main break near the University of Missouri-St. Louis has prompted the cancellation of on-campus classes today and tonight.
University spokesman Bob Samples says most, but not all, buildings are without water after the main break on Natural Bridge Road.
“There are a few buildings that receive water off a different water main and so our activities in the Mark Twain Building will continue tonight and we’re still holding classes at off-campus locations,” he said.
Tonight’s basketball game between UMSL and Upper Iowa in the Mark Twain Building will go on as scheduled.
Samples says they should know about Friday’s classes by Thursday evening.
http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2013/11/14/umsl-cancels-classes-after-w...
Google Maps
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Santa Ana water-main break closes lanes
“SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- A water-main break in Santa Ana closed lanes on Dyer Road between Kilson Drive and Tech Center Drive Thursday.
Santa Ana police officers responded to the area of Dyer and Halladay for a report of a sink hole due to the water-main break.
A large amount of water was flowing south on Kilson.
Crews discovered a 10-inch city water main had broken. The water flow had been stopped by 12:30 p.m.”
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/orange_county&...
Google Maps
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Crews deal with 2 separate water main breaks in Denver Thursday morning
DENVER - Crews in Denver dealt with two separate water main breaks early Thursday morning.
One break was reported at S. Lowell Blvd. and W. Tennessee Ave. Water could be seen running into the street at 6:30 a.m.
Repairs are expected to take all day and into the evening, according to Stacy Chesney with Denver Water.
Water service is expected to be restored by about 7 p.m., Chesney said.
Lowell will be closed between Mississippi and Tennessee during repairs.
There was another water main break at W. Jewell Ave and S. Raleigh St. Crews had heavy equipment on scene and had dug a large hole by 6:30 a.m.
That hole was filled and water was restored to customers in the area by about 8 a.m., Chesney said.
A paving company has been called in to finish repairing the road.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/crews-deal-with-2-s...
Google Maps
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Nov 15, 2013
Derrick Johnson
Water main break exposes need for water & sewerage system overhaul
Shreveport city workers spent the morning making repairs after a water main break on Hearne Avenue near J.S. Clark Middle School.
All morning, students went without running water.
The director of the water and sewerage department, Barbara Featherston, says rain is to blame. The soil around the pipes expanded, and that put more pressure on the already brittle pipes.
"
And what you have is the soils in the dry weather will kind of shrink up and then when you have the wet weather, they expand and it just starts pullingyou know those external forces on the pipe in those areas where again, our infrastructure is aging, you will have those types of breaks," says Featherston.Veronica Brown says she had no idea her fifth-grader was at school without water.
She wants all the pipes in the city inspected, especially near schools and hospitals.
"Things do happen, but I feel like those things should also be checked periodically,” says Brown. “Whether it's every three or four months, or whether it's every year, especially with those water mains there by important facilities such as schools and hospitals."
The good news is on Wednesday, the EPA announced the City of Shreveport will pay $342 million dollars for sewer system upgrades over the next 12 years.
This is to comply with the Clean Water Act.
The city also has to pay a $650,000 penalty for illegal discharges of raw sewage. The city hasn’t decided whether that money will come from the pockets of taxpayers or not.
Beginning in 2015, the system will see a major overhaul, starting in the Cedar Grove area.
"We're starting in the Cedar Grove basin,” says Featherston. “It's our largest basin from a pipe-length standpoint. There's a million feet of pipe in that basin. Different sizes: eight inches to forty-two inches or to forty-eight inches, I believe."
We’re told crews are already inspecting in that area to make sure breaks like the one on Hearne don't happen.
http://www.arklatexhomepage.com/story/water-main-break-exposes-need...
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Water main break counts as calamity day for LE
Posted: Thursday, November 14, 2013 6:30 pm | Updated: 10:23 pm, Thu Nov 14, 2013.
By Steven Collins Staff Reporter
CIRCLEVILLE— Logan Elm Local Schools dismissed the high school and middle school early due to a water main break Thursday morning.
The schools were released at 10:30 a.m. because there was no water pressure in the schools, according to Tim Williams, superintendent.
“We have no water at all, and the officials from Earnhart-Hill indicated that we would be without water four to five hours,” Williams said. “At that point in time, we made the decision to go ahead and release the middle school and high school early.”
Due to the early dismissal, students do not get credit for a full day of classes.
“This will count as a missed day for the high school and middle school, and we will have to use one of our calamity days,” Williams said.
The water main break was located on Tarlton Road west of the school. Dennis Williams, general manager of Earnhart-Hill, said the water main line in the area was an old one and was scheduled to be replaced.
“It’s an old main that probably just split there at the road,” he said. “We were about two weeks away from replacement, but we just didn’t make it.”
He said service would return by Thursday afternoon, and there would be adequate water pressure for the school day on Friday.
http://www.circlevilletoday.com/news/water-main-break-counts-as-cal...
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Water Main Break Floods Movie Theater Parking Lot
Crews were called to Twin Creek movie theater in Bellevue Thursday morning to repair a water main break.
The break flooded the entire parking lot; however, WOWT 6 News has learned the water did not go into the theater itself. The early shows Thursday were canceled. The theater said it planned to be open again in time for the 4 p.m. showings.
So far, it's not clear what caused the break.
http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/Water-Main-Break-Floods-Movie-Th...
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Redwood Elementary School Closed Due to Water Main Break
Cynthia Cumming
Thursday, November 14, 2013 • 10:36am
WEST ORANGE, NJ - An early-morning water main break has closed Redwood Elementary School, located at 75 Redwood Ave., and blocked traffic in the area as New Jersey American Water Company repairs the break. Interim Superintendent James O'Neill was apprised of the situation and made the call to close the school due to dangerous road conditions.
According to the West Orange Police Department, the water main break, which occurred in the area of 54 Woodland Ave., created dangerous road surfaces. Woodland Avenue and surrounding roads in and around the school were "slippery, with icy conditions made worse by leaves." Two West Orange police officers are on site, as well as New Jersey American Water Company.
Residents have been advised to avoid the area as repairs continue.
http://thealternativepress.com/sections/police-and-fire/articles/re...
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Nov 15, 2013
Howard
Long before Planet X arrived in the inner solar system in 2003, water mains routinely failed due to temperature swings, over-pressure conditions and aging infrastructure. Even today, some water main failures occur for reasons other than the presence of Planet X.
This blog portrays a significant increase of mostly extreme water main ruptures only since January 2013, yet clearly to a degree that is unprecedented.
For additional validation of the increased stress on mankind's infrastructure, review Sinkhole Incidents On the Rise from the beginning (page 52) that has been tracking such incidents since March 2011.
Nov 18, 2013
Tracie Crespo
And again... Water main break AND sinkhole
Peirone Crescent Flooded in Chatham, Ontario - Nov 20
After a noise that some described as a freight train, a northeast Chatham neighbourhood quickly found itself underwater early Wednesday evening.
A watermain break appeared to be the culprit on Peirone Crescent, which is located off of Vanier Drive, with a sizable sinkhole also developing.
Resident Scott Parker, who was trying his best to clear water away with a rake, estimated the sinkhole— which was in his front yard — was about 10 feet deep.
He said he's never seen any flooding like this on his street before.
“I don't need (water) getting in my house,” he said. “They said they'd send somebody on their way.”
Whirlpools could be seen over the sewer grates, while many sections of the street that weren't flooded were still covered with mud.
“I thought there was a train coming through our house,” said Ruth, who didn't want her last name used.
She said that she and other residents still hadn't received help after about an hour.
Ruth's husband, Grant, was curious to see exactly how large the sinkhole was.
“When I came out, it was bubbling out of here, and bubbling out of there,” he said. “You could fill about 50 swimming pools with how much water was coming out.
“You'd think they'd be concerned with all the water they're losing.”
Several motorists unaware of the situation attempted to pass through, with people running up to stop them.
An official with the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission couldn't be reached for immediate comment on Tuesday night. The Chatham Daily News will have updates as they become available.
http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/2013/11/20/sink-hole-shocks-chatham-...
Nov 21, 2013
Chris
Russian water pipe bursts, causing car wreck (video)
Nov 25, 2013
Howard
Water Main Break Closes U.S. Marine Base Main Entrance (Nov 25)
A massive sinkhole resulting from a water main break has prompted the closurse of the east gate to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar north of San Diego, California.
Water started bubbling up to the surface of the road Saturday morning.
Since then, crews have worked to clear the dirt around the water main break in an attempt to identify the source of the leak and fix it.
On Monday, the Public Affairs Officer for MCAS Miramar said base officials were not sure when the east entrance would open.
Source
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Water-Main-Break-Prompts-East...
Nov 26, 2013
Howard
6 Water Main Breaks Within 10 Hours Near San Francisco CA (Dec 13)
About 1,000 homes in Millbrae were without water this morning following a bizarre string of water main breaks that occurred overnight.
The first break occurred at 11:20 p.m. Thursday night in the vicinity of Camino Alto and Silva Court. A second water main break occurred at 1:20 a.m. today near the intersection of Loyola Drive and Murchison Avenue.
At 4 a.m., two lines had breaks, one at the intersection of Helen and Geraldine drives and one near the intersection of Larkspur and Ridgewood drives. The fifth break occurred at Millbrae Avenue and Minorca Way at 6 a.m. today, McCarron said. The sixth rupture happened at 8 a.m.
There is no estimate for when the lines will be completely repaired, McCarron said. He said the city is still not certain what caused the water mains to break.
Sources
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/peninsula&i...
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/6-Water-Mains-Break-in-Millbra...
Dec 13, 2013
Howard
Philadelphia Water Main Break Affects Thousands (Dec 22)
The main, with authorities believed initially to be a 60-inch transmission main, turned out to be a 48-inch main that was connected to the major main. That pipe ruptured around 9 a.m. near Frankford and Torresdale Avenues in the Frankford section of Philadelphia.
"It was a river," said Brian Pham, sales manager at Max's Auto Sales. At one point, water was chest-deep in the dealership's warehouse.
“It looks like you're looking off at the beach with the waves,” said a man who works in the area.
Within minutes, thousands lost water service around the city. The break affected water customers in eight different zip codes.
Philadelphia firefighters rescued people and children from nearby businesses.
Sources
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/breaking/Water-Main-Break-North...
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/24288546/major-water-main-break-in...
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20131224_Main_break_floo...
Dec 23, 2013
Derrick Johnson
(can't blame these on the cold)
Water Main Break Closes Lanes of Friars Road
A water main break Tuesday caused problems overnight that trickled into Wednesday on a busy street in Mission Valley.
According to the water department, a 6-inch concrete pipe broke around 10 a.m. Tuesday on Friars Road, near the Cheesecake Factory entrance to Fashion Valley Mall.
Officials issued a Sig Alert for the area as crews worked to repair the break.
Two eastbound lanes in the 6900-7100 blocks of Friars Road were closed, creating a traffic back-up both on the street and in the mall. Police were on scene directing traffic.
Initially, repairs were expected to be completed by 10 p.m., however work in the area extended through overnight and into New Year's Day.
As of 7:40 a.m. Wednesday, officials said the Sig Alert was still in place, with just one lane open in both directions on Friars Road.
Officials said crews expect to have the water main fixed by noon, at which point the Sig Alert will be lifted
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Water-Main-Break-Closes-Lanes...
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Residents told to boil water as water main repairs continue
“MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (WSVN) -- Crews continue working to repair a water main that left several homes flooded on New Year's Day.
Residents were upset by what they call an hours-long response by officials, Wednesday morning, to shut off the gushing 8-inch water main. Though the water has since receded, by the evening afternoon, crews were still on the scene working to fix a the fractured pipe and restore water pressure to residents.
Asked why it took so long to respond, one worker with Miami-Dade Water and Sewer taking pictures of the scene said, "Well, it's valves that's buried, and we have old valves around the city that we have to dig up."
Help only arrived at the scene after the county was bombarded by phone calls from the affected homeowners living in the neighborhood off Northwest 191st Street and 38th Avenue. The break happened in the backyard of one of the homes, at around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, according to residents.
Residents said the water gushed for hours before it was sealed off with valves, at around 11 a.m. However, about a dozen homes would end up affected by this water main break. One resident even showed the damage inside her home.”
http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21012631569790/residents-to...
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Jan 2, 2014
Derrick Johnson
(They can’t blame this one on the cold)
Water Main Break Disrupts Service in Pacific Beach
A water main break in Pacific Beach today is leaving dozens of customers without water service.
A six-inch diameter, cast-iron water main broke at about 12:35 p.m. on Del Rey Street. About 47 people on the 3400-3500 blocks are affected.
Police is on the scene after responding to a report of water coming out of a manhole cover. They are providing traffic control, and no evacuations have been issued.
Water department crews are responding and service is expected to be restored to all
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Pacific-Beach-water-main-serv...
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Jan 7, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/overnight-water-main-break-unio...
Water main break near Union Square forces street closures, subway disruptions
The 1800s era pipe burst on 5th Ave. near E. 13th St. Leaking began just after midnight and took five hours to bring flood of water under control. MTA has rerouted several train lines in the area.
PUBLISHED: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014, 6:57 AM
A water main break flooded streets near Union Square and snarled transit in the area early Wednesday morning, officials said. The force of the pipe rupturing was so powerful that it raised and ripped the asphalt above, trapping a taxi on the incline.
The 137-year-old pipe burst shortly after midnight on Fifth Ave. near 13th St., prompting 60 FDNY members to respond to the deluge of water, officials said.
Water is pumped out of a hole in the middle of Fifth Avenue after a water main bursts Wednesday in lower Manhattan, flooding between 12th and 14th Sts.
Water from the 36-inch-wide pipe flooded a nearby parking garage that an employee said had 60 cars inside.
Workers excavate to get to the 137-year-old water main in lower Manhattan.
The busy thoroughfare was closed between E. 12th St. and E. 14th St. as FDNY and officials with the city Department of Environmental Protection worked on containing the streaming water, fire officials said.
At least five feet of water had filled Central Parking garage on E. 13 St., even after the leak was contained. An employee who declined to give his name said about 60 cars were parked in the murky depths.
The seesawing temperatures and the 36-inch-wide cast iron line's age likely lead to the early morning accident. The pipe was installed in 1877 and dates to city's first plumbing installation, the Croton Water Supply System, a DEP official said.
It was installed the same year Crazy Horse and his warriors fought their last battle with the United States Cavalry at Wolf Mountain, Montana Territory.
Jan 17, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Large-Sinkhole-Closes-Porti...
SE D.C. Sinkhole Could Take 7-10 Days to Repair
Portion of Massachusetts Ave. SE closed to traffic
Friday, Jan 31, 2014 | Updated 3:06 PM EST
DDOT says a large sinkhole along Fort Dupont Park in southeast Washington could take a week to 10 days to repair.
The sinkhole seemed to be contained to the side of the road, but officials are concerned vehicles traveling on the roadway could cause the erosion to expand to the area underneath the road. News4's Megan McGrath spotted long cracks in the pavement on Massachusetts Avenue SE, a sign the roadway may already be compromised and unsafe.
The curb has already pulled away from the road, leaving a gap between it and the roadway.
A road closure was ordered to help prevent any further damage. Massachusetts Avenue between 34th Place and N Street could be closed for days as crews shore up the sinkhole. Residents can still access their homes despite the closure.
DC Water says an 8-inch water main break caused the sinkhole; the main has since been repaired.
Drivers can use Branch Avenue or Fort Dupont as an alternate
Feb 1, 2014
Howard
Not far from where loud booms were reported in January.
Water Main on Central Virginia Bridge Breaks, Floods Interstate (Jan 31)
Crews worked overnight to repair the broken water line that caused water to gush off of a bridge onto I-64 Friday afternoon around 1:20 p.m.
The water main break closed the center and right lane at mile-marker 181.
Art Petrini, head of Henrico’s Department of Public Utilities, said a water line that runs across the bridge on Parham Road broke, sending water streaming off the bridge for about three hours.
The rushing water caused traffic to back up for two miles.
It’s still unclear what caused the break.
Sources
http://wtvr.com/2014/01/31/traffic-water-main-floods-i64-causes-del...
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/local/traffic/water-main-break-on...
http://www.nbc12.com/story/24602138/traffic-alert-water-main-break-...
Feb 3, 2014
KM
http://www.citynews.ca/2014/02/09/bayview-and-finch-shut-down-after...
Bayview and Finch shut down after water main break
A water main break at Bayview and Finch in North York. CITYNEWS.
A section of Bayview Avenue near Finch will likely be shut down for several days after a burst water main flooded basements and created a large sinkhole in the middle of the roadway on Sunday.
Ramin, a local resident, told CityNews he heard the sound at about 6:30 a.m. and woke his wife.
“We both woke up, came downstairs … there was water coming in around the front door. There was about three feet of water coming down the steps outside.”
Muddy water streamed through the basement and first floor of Ramin’s home, soaking his Persian carpets and coating his television, DVD player, and walls in filth.
Power in the area has since been shut off, forcing he and his wife to book a hotel for Sunday night.
He is not yet sure what the cost of the damage will be.
“What are we gonna do? We can’t do anything,” said Ramin.
TTC service in the area is being diverted.
Feb 10, 2014
Howard
While the U.S. has arguably been experiencing harsh cold in recent weeks, the number and severity of water main breaks has been astonishing. Below is a sampling over the past 48 hours.
Water Main Break Floods Square Mile in Detroit Michigan (Feb 11)
Chicago Water Main Break Leaves Cars Stuck In Ice For Days (Feb 10)
Peoria Illinois Dealing With Major Water Main Break (Feb 10)
Topeka Kansas Water Main Break Cuts Off Water To Several Downtown Buildings (Feb 11)
Water Main Break on Bay City Michigan West Side Closes Five-Block Stretch (Feb 11)
Source
Tulsa Oklahoma Water Main Breaks Keep Water Crews Busy 24-7 (Feb 11)
Source
Milwaukee Wisconsin Water Main Breaks Worst in 5 Years (Feb 11)
Source
North Carolina Water Main Breaks Mandate Boil Advisory (Feb 11)
Source
175 Water Main Breaks in Des Moines Iowa This Year (Feb 11)
Source
Wichita Falls Texas Averages Nearly 10 Water Main Breaks Per Day Since December (Feb 11)
Source
Water Main Break Forces New Jersey Mall Closure (Feb 11)
Source
Water Main Break Floods Homes in Fort Collins Colorado (Feb 10)
Source
Water Main Break Closes Indiana Courthouse (Feb 10)
Source
Hutchinson Kansas Sees 5 Water Main Breaks in Past 3 Days (Feb 10)
Source
Water Main Break Leaves Onslow Iowa Residents with Boil Order (Feb 10)
Source
Water Main Break Closes Street in Tampa Florida (Feb 10)
Source
Feb 11, 2014
Caryn D
.http://www.toledonewsnow.com/story/24712430/portion-of-aw-trail-clo...
Anthony Wayne Trail reopens after water main break
Posted: Feb 13, 2014 6:32 AM ESTUpdated: Feb 13, 2014 8:51 PM ESTThe Anthony Wayne Trail is back open after a water main break closed a large portion of the roadway for several hours Thursday.
Police say they received a report of a water main break around 1:47 a.m. Thursday. City officials say a cast iron valve exploded, causing about 15 million gallons of water to gush out onto the roadway.
"It was roaring pretty good, and when I looked out the window, it was going down the Trail like a raging river, and it was pretty intense," said Bunny and Darold Zink.
The Zinks took the day off from work to clean the mess from their driveway and garage.
"Obviously, a lot of stuff in my garage - generators and motorcycle - all got flooded out," said the Zinks.
Around 1 p.m. Thursday, portions of the area that were closed off reopened. Northbound traffic on the Trail is restricted to one lane between Glendale Avenue and Sherwood Avenue while crews work to finish repairs. Glendale Avenue is shut down in both directions between the Trail and River Road.
Much of the intersection of Glendale and the Trail was flooded Thursday morning. That water has since cleared. While a city official says most of the leaking has been stopped, one valve is still spewing water.
"There is a repair going on at the location, and the contractor doing that repair had it opened. I don't know if that had anything to do with it. I don't know really the cause of it yet," said Donald Moline, public utilities commissioner.
City plows are spreading salt in the area to break up any ice that may have formed because of the water spilled from the main break. Toledo Police say some roads and sidewalks in the area could still be icy because of the water.
If you have damages you want the city to pay for, call the law department and make a claim. Although Moline says the city has liability protection, as long as they are doing things appropriately.
The city was busy working on other water main breaks throughout the city Thursday.
Since Jan. 2, there have been 91 water main breaks around Toledo, not to mention 359 water meters exchanged, and 184 frozen water hydrants.
There are ways you can help the city. City officials say if you let your water run every once and a while, it will stop any blockages.
"The weather is so bad and the temperatures are so low that lots of people are having freezing services, but they also, we are going out to do it again and again, sometimes three times to get person back with water because they don't let their water run," said Moline.
Moline says they are looking forward to next week's warm-up to help with their problem. STill, he knows once the weather cools back down, they may be facing problems again.
Feb 14, 2014
Howard
Water Main Break on Bridge Closes Ohio Interstate for Hours (Feb 22)
The water main break was located underneath Valley View Drive bridge over I-90 near Hilliard Rd in Rocky River.
Eastbound traffic was backed up for miles. Motorists heading westbound were delayed as well, as often only one lane of traffic was open for them.
A similar water main break occurred on an interstate highway bridge in Virginia on January 31, 2014.
Sources
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2014/02/water_main_break_s...
http://www.wkyc.com/story/news/local/2014/02/22/i-90-water-main-bre...
Feb 23, 2014
Howard
Water Mains Under Bridges Being Examined (Feb 25)
The deluge of water flooded a portion of the highway and closed it for several hours over the weekend.
The rupture was at the same overpass, near the same spot where a driver from Oberlin said a piece of rusty debris fell from the bridge, crashing through his windshield, striking him in the face Feb. 7.
On Monday Rocky River Police said they couldn't confirm, but said that piece of debris "seems to match" parts of the bridge, where joints from the pipe burst Saturday.
A similar water main break occurred on an interstate highway bridge in Virginia on January 31, 2014.
Sources
http://www.wkyc.com/story/news/local/2014/02/25/crews-to-inspect-br...
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/could-huge-wate...
Feb 25, 2014
Mark
Homes in South London are flooded with filthy water as pipe bursts in busy road
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2569912/Homes-flooded-excre...
Homes were flooded with filthy water after a main burst, spewing sewage down a main road in London.
A series of pictures and videos were posted on Twitter showing the murky deluge flowing down Clapham Road in Kennington, south London.
There were initial reports that a sewage pipe had sprung a leak, causing a torrent of excrement to cascade down the road.
One policeman at the scene described it as 'stinky sewage' and eyewitnesses described the water as seeping into basement flats.
But a Thames Water spokesman later said the flood was a result of a burst water main, which had mixed with silt and mud.
Resident Lewis Whyld, who posted footage online, wrote on Twitter: 'People now getting trapped by sewage in south London, firefighters evacuating properties.'
Feb 28, 2014
Howard
Record numbers of water main breaks from Iowa to Maryland in the past month.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Number of Milwaukee water main breaks pass record, keep rising (Feb 28)
Cleveland, Ohio - Record number of water main breaks keeps crews working overtime (Feb 28)
St. Joesph, Michigan - St. Joseph breaks record for water main breaks (Feb 26)
Marshalltown, Iowa - Record number of water main breaks (Feb 27)
Iowa City, Iowa - Iowa City to see record number of water main breaks (Feb 20)
Quad Cities, Iowa-Illinois - QCA sees record number of water main breaks (Feb 11)
Northeast Ohio - Record Number of Water Main Breaks throughout NEO (Feb 13)
Bloomington, Illinois - Bloomington Sees a Record Number of Water Main Breaks (Feb 14)
Baltimore, Maryland - Amid record water main breaks, Baltimore residents await fixes (Feb 4)
Mar 2, 2014
KM
http://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/city-battles-wave-of-water-main-breaks-...
City battles wave of water main breaks
The City of Saskatoon has four water supply trailers available but can't keep pace with the more than one dozen water main breaks during the past 72 hours.
Published Monday, March 3, 2014 7:06AM CST
Can’t catch a break? Don’t tell that to crews battling a wave a water main breaks across Saskatoon.
The City of Saskatoon says there were at least 13 water main breaks during the weekend, including a record-setting 11 recorded during a 26-hour period. The city usually averages one or two breaks per day for this time of year.
Below-normal temperatures during the weekend and previous week are being blamed for most of the breaks, with the frozen ground shifting the pipes and causing the ruptures.
As of Sunday evening, the city says water service was off at the following locations:
• 74 Phillips Crescent (water trailer on-site)
• 2421 Ewart Avenue (water trailer on-site)
• 500 block of 6th Street East (water trailer on-site)
• 1300 7th Avenue North (water trailer on-site)
• 2903 Ferguson Avenue
• Diefenbaker Drive between Fairlight Drive and 22nd Street West
• 300 Bate Crescent
• 1326 Ave Y North
• 3225 11th Street West
• 141 Pacific Avenue
The city says staff and contractors are working on isolate the location of the breaks, preparing the sites for excavation and repairing the pipes. It says even if workers are not present, repairs for each location have been scheduled and will be repaired as soon as possible. The goal is to have serviced to affected residents restored within 48 hours, but the number of breaks means that may not be the case in every instance.
The rate of breaks is expected to decrease as the temperatures improve this week. The city recommends residents in areas where water main breaks have occurred in the past few years and neighbourhoods adjacent to current breaks be prepared by storing drinking water. The recommended supply is 3.8 litres per person per day.
The city has four water trailers to provide an emergency supply but the number of breaks has limited the availability of the trailers in all areas.
Mar 3, 2014
KM
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/water-main-break-leaves-...
Water main break leaves Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan without water
Boil water advisory also in effect
CBC News Posted: Mar 05, 2014 6:41 AM CT Last Updated: Mar 05, 2014 6:41 AM CT
A water main break has resulted in the supply being shut off in Meadow Lake in the province's northwest. (CBC)
Meadow Lake was without water Tuesday after a water main break forced the city to turn off the supply.
The city said the water had to be shut off at 11 a.m. CST so repairs could be done.
Flying Dust First Nation gets its water from Meadow Lake, so it lost its supply as well.
The city said the shutdown was indefinite, but could last two days.
More than five thousand people live in Meadow Lake.
In the meantime, the Water Security Agency has issued a boil water advisory for the city.
Many people fill up containers before a water shutdown, but the advisory warns that due to a depressurization that occurred when the water main broke, it may not be safe to drink.
The advisory applies to water used for drinking, teeth-brushing and other activities where it can be ingested.
There has been a higher-than-normal number of water main breaks around a number of Saskatchewan cities this year because of the prolonged deep freeze.
Mar 5, 2014
Howard
Water Main Break Shakes Houses, Leaves Hundreds Without Service Near Pittsburgh PA (Mar 5)
“It shook the house,” said one resident. “It shook it off its foundation, it was so powerful.”
The man lives directly beside where the water main exploded is in law enforcement and asked not to be identified.
“There’s cracks in the walls and everything,” he said.
In the first moments of the break, the man also dashed downstairs into the torrent of trouble on a rescue mission.
“The dog ran downstairs,” he said. “It was so scared it didn’t know what to do. I had to rescue the dog out of the water.”
His pet survived the ordeal, but the house could be a different matter.
“I don’t think we’re going to be able to stay here,” he said.
Source
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2014/03/05/water-main-break-shakes-h...
Mar 6, 2014
Howard
What was once a rare occurrence is now commonplace: Three ruptured water main geysers on the same day.
Water Main Geyser in Jackson Mississippi (Mar 13)
Water Main Geyser in Milnsbridge England (Mar 13)
Water Main Break Causes Geyser in Fishers Indiana (Mar 13)
Mar 15, 2014
Howard
Massive Geyser From Wisconsin Water Main Break (Mar 16)
Police and city water utility crews were called to a 12-inch water main break at the corner of South Parker Drive and East Van Buren Street about 1 p.m. Sunday for reports that a geyser of water was shooting out of the broken main.
The break knocked out water in an area four blocks around the break, Janesville water department crew foreman Mike Fosmoen said. Crews worked to shut off the main, and hoped to have it repaired with water running later Sunday night, he said.
At the scene, water was shooting at least 30 feet in the air from the main break, which was under the street. The pressure of the water caused the street and part of the sidewalk to blow out in a 20-foot-wide crater around the break.
The crater grew as water continued to shoot above the treetops, landing in a deluge on the roof and the side of a building that formerly housed a nursing home on the corner of South Parker Drive and East Van Buren Street.
Water and rubble from the blowout poured down the hill on both East Van Buren Street and St. Lawrence Avenue. Police crews blocked off streets around the break as crews worked to shut down the main.
Fosmoen said the geyser likely was caused when a large piece of the street fell against the broken main and partially plugged it like a finger over a garden hose, creating pressure.
“It's lucky that happened, or this break could have collapsed almost the whole street,” he said.
He said it's likely that repeated ground heave from a recent spate of thawing and freezing temperatures caused the
Fosmoen said crews were still trying to learn how much water was lost in the blowout. He said the geyser was a one-of-a-kind occurrence he's never seen.
“You hardly ever see anything like this. Never in 35 years have I seen anything like it. Never,” he said.
Source
http://www.gazettextra.com/article/20140316/ARTICLES/140319745
Mar 17, 2014
Derrick Johnson
Extended delays expected after South Jordan water main break
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — A water main break in South Jordan forced crews to shut down 11400 South Wednesday morning.
The 12-inch pipe which runs off the main water line ruptured at the intersection of 11400 South and 700 West at approximately 4 a.m. The cause of the break remains unclear.
“They’ve been checking into it and nobody’s really been able to find any reason why it happened so at this point we’re unaware, we’re unsure,” said Jarod Moffit, Jordan Valley Water District.
The break forced crews to close down 11400 South between 1300 West and I-15 for more than an hour. Crews were able to secure the leak and get at least one lane open just in time for the morning traffic rush.
“Fortunately it did happen in the early morning and we were able to get things under control before the morning rush hour came,” said Jason Rasmussen, South Jordan Public Works.
Moffitt said the rupture forced a lot of soil to the surface, which made it fairly easy to locate and repair the problem.
Officials said 11400 South will be limited to one westbound lane until further notice. Access to northbound 700 West from 11400 South is closed. Residents are asked to use Brooke-N-Lance Lane to access the neighborhood.
The closures are expected to cause delays for afternoon traffic. Motorists are being asked to use 9000 South, 10600 South, 12300 South and Bangerter Highway exits off I-15 as alternate routes for westbound travel.
http://fox13now.com/2014/03/19/crews-work-to-fix-water-main-break-i...
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Repairs underway at scene of Clifton water main break
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Crews from the city Department of Environmental Protection were inspecting damage from a water main break that flooded Bay Street in Clifton on Wednesday night.
Edgewater Street to Townsend Avenue remains blocked to traffic in the direction of St. George.
A DEP supervisor at the scene said he expects the water main to be repaired and the street reopened by Thursday evening's rush-hour.
Staten Island Railway Service between Clifton and St. George -- which was interrupted in the aftermath of the break -- has been restored, though some station entrances remain closed for safety reasons.
The train overpass above the water main break was unaffected by the flooding and remains structurally sound, said a supervisor for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
However, there currently is no water for workers in the MTA car maintenance shop. Water will be brought in if needed.
While the waters have receded, the streets and sidewalks surrounding the break are caked in mud.
The break occurred just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday at Bay Street and Townsend Avenue. The water main was shut off just after midnight.
An MTA service line was what broke, a DEP spokesman said, adding that water service to area homes was unaffected.
http://www.silive.com/northshore/index.ssf/2014/03/repairs_under_wa...
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Sewer Main Break Shuts Down Several Roads Through Valley Forge National Historical Park
“UPPER MERION, Pa. (CBS) – A sewer main break in Valley Forge National Historical Park has forced the closure of several roads at the site.
Officials say the break in a 30-inch line, under the intersection at Route 252 and Route 23, was reported to state environmental officials shortly before 11 a.m.
Crews from Tredyffrin Township Sewer Authority in Chester County were dispatched as waste water pouring from the rupture, ran across the roadway and into the nearby Valley Creek which feeds into the Schuylkill River.”
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/03/18/sewer-leak-gives-way-to...
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Mar 21, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.wbir.com/story/news/2014/04/03/water-main-break-closes-r...
Water main break closes many roads in downtown Knoxville
12:10 p.m. EDT April 3, 2014
(WBIR) Crews have been working since Wednesday night repairing a water main break in downtown Knoxville.
The water main break happened at about 11:45 p.m. at the intersection of State and Main streets. Several roads were still closed Thursday at noon: Main Street from Gay Street to James White Parkway ramp; State Street near Cumberland Avenue to Dwight Kessel Garage. All garages are now open.
The water main also significantly damaged the John H. Coleman building which sits directly below the road where the water main broke. Water rushed into the building, sweeping mud and trash into the business.
(WBIR) Knoxville police closed several intersections in downtown Thursday morning after a water main break collapsed roadways.
The water main break happened at about 11:45 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of State and Main streets. Crews have now shut off the water.
The water main break happened about 11:45 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of State and Main streets
Crews have been working around the clock ever since a water main broke in downtown Knoxville Wednesday night. (Photo: WBIR)
State Street at Hill Avenue, Main Street at Gay Street and Central Street at Clinch Avenue are all closed due to damage. The entrance to James White Parkway North from Main Street is also closed.
The parking garage at the First Tennessee towers is accessible from Cumberland Av
enue, and the Dwight Kessell parking garage is accessible only from Hill Avenue.
The BB&T tower is accessible only from Hill Avenue.
Apr 3, 2014
Howard
More dramatic water main breaks this week.
Water Line Break Creates Geyser in Belleville Illinois (Apr 8)
Illinois American Water Co. workers were handling the break in the 600 block of East Main Street. Additional details were not immediately available.
Source
Kansas City Water Main Break Shoots Water 50-feet High (Apr 11)
It happened near 127th and Wornall, in south Kansas City, Mo.
The break sprayed water on a nearby home. That homeowner, Ross Worley, says the water did not damage his home. “It was terrible. It was running around the back side of the house, and running through it, and down the drain,” said Worley. “It was running some volume.”
No word what may have caused the line to break.
Source
60-inch Water Main Break Creates Waterfall in Pittsburgh PA (Apr 11)
The break was discovered around 11 a.m.
The water main runs along the Allegheny Valley Railroad track near Route 8 and State Route 28 meet, according to the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.
The break created an impromptu waterfall as water cascaded into Pine Creek.
“It’s a 60-inch water line,” said Pittsburgh Director of Operations Guy Costa. “It’s a city water line that’s in the Borough of Sharpsburg.”
“[It’s a] 60-inch, steel-riveted main… that supplies half the water to Downtown and the North Side,” said Tom Palmosina, the PWSA director of operations.
But it was the area upstream from the break that suffered the most.
“That leak is causing problems for St. Margaret’s Hospital, as well as the Borough of Aspinwall and the Water Works Mall,” said Palmosina.
Source
Apr 12, 2014
Howard
Water Main Break Waterfall in Louisville Kentucky (Apr 24)
Officials say the break occurred in the 48-inch main -- it's part of the water main called a "T" which feeds off into other pipes.
The water main ruptured around 1 p.m. at the corner of Baxter Avenue and Eastern Parkway; the intersection collapsed under the weight of the rushing water about 90 minutes later.
"There was just water everywhere flooding down Baxter Avenue," said Lindsay Heister, who could see everything unfolding outside of her kitchen window. Part of the road at Eastern Parkway and Baxter Avenue even collapsed.
"Down Eastern it's all rippled up and looks like something exploded," she said.
Source
http://www.wdrb.com/story/25332324/tyler-park-closed-until-further-...
Apr 26, 2014
KM
http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/water-main-break-affects-thousands-in-va...
Water main break affects thousands in Vaudreuil-Dorion
A water main broke on St. Charles Ave. in Vaudreuil-Dorion on May 5, 2014. Photo by Robert Morel
Published Tuesday, May 6, 2014 8:02AM EDT
A key water main in Vaudreuil-Dorion is affecting residents on more than 200 streets.
The pipe on St. Charles Avenue broke on Monday and was promptly repaired, but the damage was already done.
Residents of more than 200 streets are being asked to boil their water for one minute before using it for drinking, preparing food, or brushing their teeth.
The city says it is safe to use the water without boiling for washing dishes, clothes or taking a shower.
The city of Vaudreuil-Dorion says it will inform residents when the water has been certified to be contaminant-free
May 6, 2014
Howard
Michigan Water Main Break Causes 70-Ft Geyser (May 6)
It also led to some traffic problems as the city's Water Works Department rushed to fix the problem.
There's no word what caused the leak.
Source
http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/water-line-break-springs-geyser/2584...
May 10, 2014
Howard
Water Main Break Creates Rooftop Waterfall in Tulsa Oklahoma (May 10)
It happened on 19th Street, just east of Sheridan Road about 5 a.m.
The City of Tulsa shut of the water, but several apartments were already damaged by that time.
As many as eight people reportedly are displaced.
The Red Cross showed up to help the victims.
The Tulsa Fire Department also assisted.
Source
http://www.newson6.com/story/25481601/water-main-break-displaces-fa...
May 12, 2014
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/fire-truck-stuck-aft...
Water main sinks fire truck, floods homes
RESIDENTS in a Sydney beachside suburb have been left waist deep in mud with debris throughout their homes after a water main burst.
Worse still, residents from the five damaged homes in Bilgola, on the northern beaches, have been evacuated because part of a road collapsed under a fire truck on the hill above them.
About noon the NSW Fire and Rescue fire engine was teetering on the edge of the slope on The Serpentine.
Its back wheels were stuck in a three metre-wide hole.
The truck was on the edge of a hill. Below it sat dozens of beachside homes.
Residents reported two landslips about 4.30am and 7am on Tuesday.
Long-time resident Libby Meggitt said she woke up about 4.30am to what sounded like a waterfall.
"I think it was probably the landslide that woke me," she told AAP.
"And then my husband thought it was the storm.
"I said 'how come there is a storm out the back and not one out the front?'"
Mrs Meggitt has spent the morning wading through the mud that has poured down the side and back of her home.
The landslip was so strong it broke her laundry windows and came through the door.
"The laundry tubs are full of rubble," she said.
Mrs Meggitt said police had told her to evacuate while authorities attempt to move the fire truck.
"They were really worried if it rolls, it could send something into the house which could do something to the hill," she said.
Another resident, Jane, said she has mud and debris about waist deep at the back of her home.
Some mud had spread throughout the bedrooms and laundry on the bottom level of her mother's home.
"It's going to cost a fortune (to clean up)," she said.
Residents are hopeful they will be allowed back into their homes by Tuesday night after engineers rule the hillside is stable.
A crane is being brought in to help lift the 14-tonne fire truck upright.
Water has been cut to the area, including to surrounding streets unaffected by the landslip.
Sydney Water confirmed it took three hours to shut the water off after the main burst.
In a statement the authority said it was first contacted at 3.50am and the water shut off at 7am.
"Sydney Water apologises to residents for this burst pipe and our crews will be working hard throughout the day to repair damage and reconnect water supply," the statement says.
However crews can only start repairing pipes once the fire truck has been moved from the roadside hole.
Crews started the process of getting a crane in place to pull the truck upright.
May 13, 2014
Kris H
A 20-inch oil pipe ruptured overnight in the LA area. 50,000 gallons (at least) of oil sprayed out evacuating some businesses.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-crude-oil-spill-atwater...
What if it had ignited?
Pipeline rupture spews 50,000 gallons of crude oil in Atwater - May 15
A 20-inch pipeline ruptured in Atwater Village early Thursday, spewing more than 50,000 gallons of crude oil over an approximately half-square-mile area, authorities said.
In some places, the oil was knee-high, affecting several businesses near the line rupture in the 5100 block of West San Fernando Road, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The above-ground pipeline, which ruptured shortly after 1 a.m., was shut off remotely as fire crews worked throughout the morning to contain the runoff, the department said.
Photos on social media sites showed oil spewing up and out onto nearby equipment and flowing down city streets in the largely industrial area. It was not immediately clear which business owned the oil line.
There were no reports of injuries, but the fire department said multiple vehicles parked at The Gentlemen's Club nightclub nearby were affected by the spill.
Hazardous-material and street maintenance crews were at the scene with sand and other materials to stop the runoff and sop up the oil, officials said.
May 15, 2014