The City of Odessa experienced a severe cold spell beginning Jan. 30 that stayed below freezing temperatures through Feb. 1, a press release stated.
Historically when the city experiences a freeze event for several days, we see a higher than-average number of water main breaks once it starts to thaw out. The ground warms up and begins to shift, which can cause breaks.
In this situation, the utility department provides notice to crews and various departments to be on standby, and that they may be called in to help to assist over the critical period from all as needed the rest of the week and weekend.
As expected with temperatures warming Thursday, we had main line ruptures which have continued through today as indicated below.
Main line breaks:
>> Thursday: 4 ea. cast iron pipes.
>> Friday: 4 ea. cast iron pipes.
>> Saturday: 4 ea. to 3 ea. cast iron pipes and 1 A.C (cement) pipe.
>> Sunday: 3 ea. cast iron pipes.
>> Monday: 6 ea. cast Iron pipes.
That brings the total to 21 main line breaks as of 2:30 p.m. today. Sizes were all 6 inches except for one 12-inch cast iron pipe.
All were 40 years and older cast iron piping in our system, in the older sections of town, which occurs in most cities across the nation.
