Update: As of 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, traffic was moving through Fremont Street and water, which had been turned off by the utility to approximately 10 homes affected by the earlier reported water main break, had been restored, according to the City of Whitewater website.
By Kim McDarison
A water main break occurred in the city of Whitewater Wednesday near 319 Fremont Street, according to information shared by city officials with Fort Atkinson Online Wednesday afternoon.
Public Relations and Communication Manager Kristin Mickelson noted in an email that a call about a potential break was received by the city around 11 a.m.
Responding by email at about 2 p.m. to questions about a possible cause of the break, Mickelson wrote: “We are unsure of the cause at this time as the break has yet to be exposed. It could be a number of issues including ground movement, pressure, older/rotted pipes and bolts; until it is exposed we will not have this information.”
Mickelson noted that the city’s utility personnel, along with Jaeckels, a company that contracts with the city, are working on repairs.
Mickelson said that the city anticipates the break to be fixed Wednesday, by late afternoon.
“The break is located near a high pressure gas main so we are currently waiting for WE Energies to send their team to help us locate their gas mains so we do not have any issues when we begin work on the water main break location,” Mickelson continued.
Some 10 residences have been affected by the break, she wrote.
Fremont Street is closed due to the narrow width of the street, Mickelson noted. The city is asking motorists to avoid the area as best they can for the remainder of the afternoon. The portion of the street where work is taking place is blocked, Mickelson added.
The residents whose homes have been affected have had their water shut off, she said.
Said Mickelson: “We appreciate the community avoiding the area for the afternoon to let our team repair the break as quickly and safely as we can.
“Water main breaks happen from time to time and we appreciate the understanding and cooperation.”
Information is also available on the city’s website: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=353.
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