FW: Water Main Breaks

[Allen, Burkley (Council Member)]

 

 

Burkley

 

Burkley Allen
Metro Council At-Large

615-383-6604

 

Council Committees - Budget and Finance - Past Chair

                               Planning, Zoning, and Historic- Past Chair

                               Transportation and Infrastructure

Audit Committee

Sustainability Commission

Tax Abatement Study Committee - Chair

Women's Caucus - Past Chair 

 

From: Allman, Sonia (WS) <Sonia....@nashville.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 12:59 PM
To: Council Members <Council...@nashville.gov>
Cc: Honeysucker, John (WS) <John.Hon...@nashville.gov>; Peoples, Mary (WS) <Mary.P...@nashville.gov>; Potter, Scott (WS) <scott....@nashville.gov>; Freeman, Brent R. (WS) <brent....@nashville.gov>
Subject: Water Main Breaks

 

Good afternoon!

 

As you are likely aware, MWS is experiencing an increase in water main breaks due to the extremely cold temperatures.

 

Metro Water Services has over 3,000 miles of water main of various size, pipe material, and age.   Water in our mains is constantly moving and does not freeze; however, water temperature below 40 degrees can cause pipes to become more brittle – the current water temperature is around 44 degrees. (Cast iron is more susceptible to external pressures such as extreme temperature changes, but any pipe material can break.) Additionally, Freezing and thawing can cause pipes to contract and expand, weakening pipe material, and soils to shift, leading to potential breaks.

 

We currently have 4 active breaks undergoing repair and 4 potential breaks undergoing investigation (Crews have already completed 4 repairs today).  Repairs can typically take 6- 8 hours; however, the extreme conditions make repairs more difficult.  In addition to being out in the elements for extended periods of time, crew members often have wet hands and feet due to the nature of their work.  Therefore, repairs take longer to complete.  We ask for patience and understanding as MWS staff members battle the elements to restore service to customers affected by these breaks.  I have attached the water main repair steps in both English and Spanish.

 

We will be activating our emergency operations schedule tomorrow morning to meet the increase in breaks.  We will have 7 MWS repair teams as well as contractor assistance working 12-hour shifts to respond to water main breaks. MWS crews will also coordinate with NDOT for road salt at sites with ice hazard potential.

 

We ask that potential public water main breaks be reported to MWS as soon as possible by calling 615-862-4600.  If water is seen bubbling up in a roadway or flowing in an unusual place, or residents experience a water outage or unexplained low pressure, it may be the result of a broken water main.  Current break investigations or active break repairs can be viewed on the MWS Outage map at Metro Water Services Outage Map | Nashville.gov

 

Residents experiencing private water line issues such as a frozen or broken pipe, should contact a plumber as MWS is unable to respond to private plumbing issues.

 

Best,

 

Sonia Allman

Manager of Strategic Communications

Metro Water Services

1600 2^nd Avenue North

Nashville, TN  37208

Office: 615.862-4494

 

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