Water main breaks are a critical issue that affects both our water system and our community. These breaks occur when underground water pipes, known as water mains, crack or burst due to a variety of factors including age, shifting ground, changes in water pressure, or sudden changes in temperature.
The period known as “main break season,” is particularly tough for managing these breaks. This season, starting in October and ending in March, typically coincides with colder months when temperatures fluctuate dramatically, causing the ground to shift. The repeated expansion and contraction put stress on aging pipes, making them more likely to break. While breaks can happen at any time of year, they are far more frequent during this period, placing a significant strain on our repair crews and resources.
“The main break season is a challenge for us all due to several key factors that take a toll both physically and mentally,” said Adam Stanley, a program manager of the repair program. “With a reduced number of staff on hand, employees must handle a heavy volume of calls, planned work, and emergency tasks, all while managing unexpected leaks that may arise during the night.”
This year, we’ve had 195 breaks so far, compared to 208 breaks at this time last year and a three-year average of 219 breaks. Most of these breaks occur during main break season. From October to now, we have recorded 67 breaks down from 112 during the same period last year.
With all the work that comes in daily, repairs are prioritized based on impact severity and complexity. Skilled staff and careful planning ensure service is restored quickly while minimizing customer inconvenience.
Our customers serve as our eyes in the field, often spotting potential water main breaks before anyone else. Their reports to our customer care and billing division are a crucial way for us to identify these issues. Customers can assist by reporting signs such as unexpected puddles or drops in water pressure. Prompt reporting enables faster response times and minimizes the impact on service.
