Source: City of Broken Arrow
The City of Broken Arrow Utilities Department expects an increase in water line breaks over the next few days.
These breaks occur partly due to rapidly changing temperatures, which are expected to fluctuate from the single digits to the high 60s next week.
Assistant Director of Utilities Brandy Parks said that the department has taken proactive staffing measures to repair issues quickly and restore water service to customers.
“We typically have one crew on standby for the weekends and after hours during the week,” Parks said. “We are adding another crew on standby to help address any waterline breaks that may occur during this time, and other crews are on notice that they may be called out for service as well.”
The goal is to minimize the time that anyone is out of water if a break occurs.
Though water main breaks can happen any time of year, several factors contribute to water main breaks during the winter.
- Ground Movement. Freezing and thawing of soil can cause ground movement, which may bend or shift water pipes. This movement exerts excess tension on the pipes, eventually leading to bending, snapping, or breaking.
- Freezing and expansion of water. When water freezes, it expands, creating increased pressure inside the pipe. This expansion can lead to the pipe bursting when the pressure becomes too great. The increase in volume occurs because ice takes up more space than the liquid water it replaces.
- Soil Contraction. As the soil contracts in cold weather, it can exert additional force on water pipes that may already be weakened by corrosion. This contraction can result in cracks and breaks in the pipes.
- Frost Loading. The weight of the frozen ground on the pipes can exacerbate cracks and grinding at weak spots, leading to breaks.
- Brittle Materials. Water mains made from cast iron can become brittle and susceptible to holes in the winter.
To report a water line break or sewer overflow, call 918-259-8373 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. After hours, please contact the Broken Arrow Police Department non-emergency line at 918-259-8400.
The City of Broken Arrow makes an effort to notify customers through the City’s emergency notification service provider CodeRed and NextDoor, if water service is interrupted. However, it isn’t always possible to inform residents in advance. Please sign up for notifications on the City’s website and Nextdoor.com.
Residents can rest assured that when these breaks occur, the City of Broken Arrow Utilities Department will work diligently to repair the break and restore the water service as quickly as possible.
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