Urbandale water main break closes schools, prompts boil-water advisory - Des Moines Register

Urbandale water main break closes schools, prompts boil-water advisory

3,000-plus homes in Urbandale urged to boil their water after major line break
Noelle Alviz-Gransee

Roughly 3,250 Urbandale homes are being urged to boil their water as crews work to repair a major pipe break under a creek bed.

A contractor working in the area hit a 20-inch water main on 156th Street north of Douglas Avenue, city spokesperson Derek Zarn said. Residents north of Douglas between 142nd Street and 184th Street have lost water pressure as a result.

Exactly when the area will see water pressure resume remains unclear, but officials say it will go at least through Wednesday.

The city is recommending residents boil their water as a "precautionary measure" to ensure any contaminants are eliminated.

"We realize this may be an unusual situation for some, and we appreciate your cooperation. We're evaluating the site and working towards a resolution," the city said in a statement.

Residents should check this page to stay up to date: Urbandale Water Alert

The break forced the closure Wednesday of Walnut Hills Elementary and Radiant Elementary. Walnut Hills still planned to hold Beyond the Bell child care, a post on Facebook said.

The "water main is at a creek crossing and at a bury depth of 17 feet which makes it difficult to get to," Zarn said.

The area affected north of Douglas is filled with residential neighborhoods.

Urbandale Fire Chief Mike Cardwell said the department plans ahead in case water supply is interrupted. One fire station at 15100 Meredith Drive is in the affected area but remains staffed and ready to respond to emergencies, he said.

"We’ve put those plans into place and been in contact with our mutual aid partners to respond with additional water should a fire happen," Cardwell said in an email.

Residents also can stop at the fire station on Meredith Drive for free bottled water.

Noelle Alviz-Gransee is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Follow her on Twitter @NoelleHannika or email her at NAlvizGransee@registermedia.com.