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| Updated: 5/12/2012 11:24 am |
Published: 5/12/2012 11:20 am |
LITTLE ROCK, AR - Central Arkansas Water (CAW) crews are repairing a water main break that has caused discoloration at the tap of customers in the areas of Pulaski Heights, Hillcrest, and Cantrell Road-Arkansas Highway 10 to Interstate 430. The utility has crews on site. At this time, utility officials anticipate completing the repairs this afternoon and stress that the water remains safe for consumption.
Graham W. Rich, P.E., Chief Executive Officer, also states that utility crews are flushing water lines to help to eliminate discoloration in the distribution system and are collecting water samples for water quality control purposes.
“We are working diligently to complete the repair, flush the discoloration out of the system, and restore service to normal for affected customers,” he says. “We understand the inconvenience.”
At approximately 4:30 a.m. today (Saturday, May 12, 2012), CAW received a report of a break on a 16-inch-diameter transmission main that serves the affected areas. Crews isolated the damaged segment of the transmission main at approximately 5:40 a.m. and began repairs.
The location of the break is near the intersection of University Avenue and R Street. The cause of the water line failure is undetermined at this time.
Rich states that the cause of the discoloration is a natural element, manganese. He explains that an interruption in the flow of water through a transmission main because of an occurrence, such as a water main break, can cause the scouring of manganese that has built up on the lining of the water main over time. The manganese, a natural element, does not adversely impact the safety of the water for human consumption.
The utility does advise customers NOT TO wash clothing in the discolored water because it can stain fabric. The utility advises customers to wait until the discoloration clears before washing clothing.
Customers with questions may contact the CAW Distribution Dispatch Center day or night at 377.1239.
