Ark Valley News - Contractor cuts Park City’s water

Water under pressure shoots from the water main in Park City April 25. The break was repaired by the next morning.

Contractor cuts Park City’s water
By David Dinell
Last Updated: April 28, 2016

A contractor's trencher cut into a main water line April 25 at 61st North and Broadway in Park City, cutting water service for thousands of area residences and businesses.

While the break happened mid-morning, it wasn't possible to start repairs until that evening as officials were concerned about a nearby electrical transformer.

"There was a lake around it, and we didn't want our guys hurt," said City Administrator Jack Whitson.

Compounding the situation was the intense water pressure, and when that was on, work was impossible.

"They (city workers) got down and almost drowned trying to get a sleeve over the pipe," he said. "We had to wait until the pressure was almost gone."

City workers had a problem getting the pressure down, turning off 20 or 30 valves trying to cut the water off, said Whitson, who spent the night at the scene and went to work the next day.

"The problem was we couldn't get it isolated," he said. "That's when we made the decision we had to shut the whole system down. Before that, we had water shooting up in the air 20 feet."

They managed to cut the pressure and start repairs about 8:30 p.m. Monday and worked through the night.

The water came on at 7 a.m., but it took awhile for the pressure to build up so not everyone had full service for hours after that.

"The important thing was to try and get the water back to the people," Whitson said.

Park City officials turned to social media avenues of Facebook and Twitter to update residents on the situation and also post photos.

Jennifer Rice of Sonic Drive-In, 6122 N. Broadway, reported that the business lost water at 4 p.m. April 25 and had to close. Other businesses reported similar situations, although some stayed open. Power was not affected.

City worker Kari Karleskint said on social media that a few of the workers were able to leave at 1:30 a.m. and "those of us who did were able to get a couple hours of sleep before we were back on the job at 7 this morning."

The work was difficult, Karleskint said, including working in soaking wet clothes and the pressure of getting the job done before predicted storms were to arrive later in the day.

The workers got numerous compliments on social media for their dedication.

"I know we at Leeker's thank you," wrote Steve Slipsager.

From Jonathan Hopkins: "thanks for such a timely response and control."

To focus on the situation, city officials closed City Hall until noon April 26, but the Senior Center was open as usual and meals were delivered on schedule for those who made their reservations.

Shortly after water was restored April 26, Mayor Ray Mann said, "We are already seeing chlorine in the water and things are going smoothly."

Due to state law, a water warning, or boil advisory, was in effect for 18 hours after the water was restored until chlorine levels were considered normal.

Whitson said officials will thoroughly examine the situation, including why the workers, who were trenching for an electric line, went ahead and dug and whether it was marked properly.

"Instead of jumping to conclusions, we're going to try and figure out what the situation was," he said. "We're going to look to the facts and see why it happened."