Water Main Breaks: Preparing for the Unexpected

Beneath every city is a complex network of pipes, pumps, tanks, and valves that delivers clean, reliable water to homes and businesses. This underground infrastructure stretches for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles. Keeping it all working takes constant attention. Cities invest millions each year to maintain and modernize these systems by inspecting lines, replacing aging pipes, upgrading equipment, and preventing leaks from turning into costly breaks. It's a formidable effort, but without it, the water we rely on daily wouldn't be available when we turn the tap.

Despite these efforts, unexpected water main breaks can still happen. Aging pipes, extreme weather, and accidental damage are common causes. Breaks are a natural part of managing such large, complex systems, but the cities always work to stay one step ahead.

That’s where technology comes into play. As part of their overall strategy, municipalities use technology to track water throughout their networks. This enables them to oversee each part of the water distribution system remotely and in real-time. Operators regularly review water distribution pumps with this technology, looking for subtle signs of potential issues. Typical monitoring systems also send automated alerts when they detect significant changes, such as a sudden drop or spike in pressure or when an out-of-service pump unexpectedly activates. A sudden change in a city’s pressure could indicate various scenarios, such as firefighters using a large volume of water and pressure to extinguish a fire, a construction site filling a large water tank, or a system leak.

Cities do not rely solely on computers to monitor their water systems. Skilled teams conduct regular on-site inspections of the water distribution network. Additionally, if the computer system is disrupted, these team members can be on-site within minutes to check the system for leaks or other issues and make any necessary adjustments to keep the water flowing safely and efficiently.

When water mains do break, the impact can vary. Water lines can reach nine feet in diameter, and breaks in pipes this large can cause flooding, damage to roads, and sometimes sidewalks. While some minor breaks can be repaired in a few hours with minimal disruption to the public, major water main breaks are much more labor-intensive and may require multiple crews using backhoes and other heavy equipment. Regardless of the size of the break, cities aim to operate with as little disruption as possible, often turning valves on or off to reroute water and keep it flowing to businesses and homes. 

Fixing these breaks involves a large team of workers to ensure the repairs are done efficiently. Sometimes, workers from other departments are needed to protect buried cables and gas lines. If a major intersection is affected, redirecting traffic may take priority. Additionally, road repairs might be necessary, requiring road maintenance crews. Once the break is fixed, the water line must be flushed and tested to ensure both that it is clear and that water quality standards are maintained.  

Maintaining and modernizing these aging water distribution and collection systems is a constant and rising expense for your city and a major part of your water rates. Cities are constantly refining long-term plans and securing funding to replace aging infrastructure before it fails. This proactive approach helps avoid emergency repairs and minimize service interruptions. 

For the ten AMWUA cities, water infrastructure remains a top priority. Like roads, power lines, and communication systems, water systems age and eventually need to be upgraded or replaced. Ongoing investment and smart planning are critical to ensuring reliable water supplies — now and for future generations.

For 56 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities’ ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities. For more water information, visit www.amwua.org .