The town of CBS is dealing with a major water main break affecting thousands of residents and forcing the closure of schools and recreational facilities.
Mayor Darrin Bent says there was a significant break in the town’s main water transmission line near Anchorage Road around 3:00 yesterday afternoon.
Mayor Darrin Bent says the problem is in the same area that saw problems a few years ago.
“There’s a lot of pressure” on the line says Bent, “so when it breaks, you get a significant loss of water in a short period of time. And that’s why residents in that area are seeing some washouts and some flooding on properties.”
He says repairs are now underway, and the needed materials were on hand because of a similar break a few years ago.
“That’s important because those materials are not usually in the province unless you have a job on the go.”
The break in the line was repaired in the wee hours, but a second break happened a short distance away once the water started flowing again. Town staff found a six foot split on the bottom of the two foot thick pipe.
“If you have compromised pipe you’re going to find it’s going to let go when you push the pressure back through after something like this.”
Private contractors have been brought in to help with repairs and the work continues. It’s hoped that service can be restored by late this afternoon.
Town Recreation Facilities will remain closed due to the water main break, with an update expected around 4pm today. Residents are asked to conserve water by avoiding unnecessary usage like washing dishes and doing laundry. Thank you for your patience.https://t.co/pW7mg6Fang pic.twitter.com/Z5KLZtyIYQ
— Conception Bay South (@TownofCBS) April 17, 2024