text size

Dramatic Temperature Change Causes Water Main Breaks

Updated: Thursday, January 31 2013, 02:00 AM EST
COLUMBUS -- The dramatic change in temperatures has caused problems for dozens of water lines across the Columbus, according to officials with the Department of Public Utilities.

Currently, city crews are aware of roughly 70 leaks, at least twenty more than a week ago.

Temperatures rose to record highs in the sixties this week, after remaining in the teens much of last week.

“The colder weather puts some stress on the lines, but then you get that rapid thaw and get the shift in the ground, which can cause additional stress when temperatures go up and down,”  spokeswoman Laura Young Mohr said.

Officials have hired outside contractors to help deal the spike in leaks, which Mohr said the city has also done in the past.

“We also see leaks in the summer time with the hydrant flushing schedule. Anything that can shift pressure in the line can cause breaks. Winter can be the worst,” Mohr said.

Leaks are typically fixed in less than weeks.

Residents who see a leak can call the city’s 311 helpline or (614) 645-3111.

---------------

Reporter: Mike McCarthy
Web Producer: Kellie HannaDramatic Temperature Change Causes Water Main Breaks