City of Brownwood Crews worked quickly Friday to stop a major water leak at Avenue K on Friday morning which created a large area of water at the intersection of Avenue K and 2nd/Elizabeth.

According to Brownwood Division Director of Public Works David Harris, an Atmos contractor was replacing a gas line and hit a water line by mistake.  Harris explained that Atmos has been working in the area for the last few days trying to locate all of the underground utilities.

“They have been working in the area for the last few days trying to locate all of the underground utilities, but as today showed, it is not an exact science,” said Harris.

Harris stated that very few customers lost water service.

“Very few lost water service due to the way the lines were installed when replaced about 6-7 years ago,” Harris said.  “Valves allowed us to isolate the main from the lines that feed the residential streets, keeping the people in service.”

The leak was located on Avenue K between 2nd/Elizabeth and 3rd/Belmeade.  Although some traffic was diverted around the leak, the streets crossing Avenue K remained open to traffic.  Vehicles drove through creating waves as they splashed through the water (pictured above and below).  Harris stated that crews worked hard to minimize the amount of water lost because of the leak.

“Leaks like this are pretty rough when we are under water restrictions,” said Harris.  “The crews did a good job getting the line repaired and back in service quickly.”

Harris estimated that the leak lost approximately 250,000 gallons.  The leak started around 8:45am and water was shut off by 9:20am. The repair was completed approximately 11:30am and service was back to normal operation after disinfection and flushing around noon on Friday, according to Harris.

Pictured below are more from the scene of the leak.  Photos by Emily Hutson.