Evansville water crews repairing numerous water main breaks as cold continues

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) — Even though last weekend’s winter storm is over, the cold is still sticking around.

Officials say because of this, water main breaks are on the rise, with at least 7 active boil-water advisories around the city.

EWSU Executive Director, Vic Kelson, says since the cold started, it’s been non-stop.

“All of our crews are in the field,” Kelson stated. “They’ve been basically working around the clock for several day on it. We also have contactors that we call in when we really need something urgently.”

They say one of the main issues is that many of the pipes in the city are nearing 100 years old, and years of shrinking and expanding with temperatures is causing them to break.

They say depending on the size of the break, fixing it can be a big task…

One that involves marking a dig site, dropping water pressure, digging the pipe out, replacing it, and filling the hole back in.

Officials say that’s why even other areas of the department are stepping in to help.

“In an emergency like this, some of our sewer field crews will help out,” Kelson stated. “Now, they may not be actually working on the pipe, they may be moving rock for backfilling, they may be helping dig, they may be helping withg lots of aspects of it, or moving stuff, being logistical assistants.”

Officials say if you see water coming up from the ground, it is likely a main break, and it should be reported.

They also say with the lower temperatures that water will freeze so people should watch their step and be careful around that area.

Officials say they are working as fast as they can, but with so many, they’re asking the community for patience.

“We understand that it’s an inconvenience, we’re working as quickly as we can to get them all repaired, but it will take some time, and please be patient,” Kelson stated.

Officials say breaks can also occur when pipes expand during warmer temperature swings.

They say they are expecting even more breaks as temperatures climb after the weekend.

If you spot a water main break, you are asked to let the water department know.

You can call 812-421-2130 or reach out online at ewsu.com/contact.

If you experience extremely low water pressure or no water, click on the Project & Advisory Map at ewsu.com to see if your area is in a low pressure zone or under a boil advisory.

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