9:16 PM: Just heard this on emergency radio, and the SDOT camera confirms it – a water break at 35th/Roxbury. That’s bad news not just for the obvious reasons but because the temperature’s already down to just above freezing. No word so far of any water-service effects in the area.
1:27 AM: Thanks to neighbors who’ve been posting comments with updates.
ADDED: According to the SPU water-problem map, service was restored in the area just after 6:30 am.
It appears that the source is a bit south of Summit Atlas, along 35th. A SDOT truck (with the word “water” on it) just arrived around 9:55. Fingers crossed they’ll be able to address it soon! That area is really starting to get wet!
If the water is not flowing north down the slope towards Roxbury I hope some de-icer can be applied to prevent an icy road.
Happens system wide every year during cold snaps, thanks SPU/Water for your efforts in tough conditions.
We live across the street from Summit school. 35th is now closed between Roxbury and 97th. SDOT crews are here drilling and sawing into the street.
It’s 1am and there are a couple trucks here now. They are here doing something in front of Summit Atlas that sounds like jackhammering. It’s very loud and annoying for the people trying to sleep in this neighborhood.Water seems to be working still. Hopefully this will have a quick resolution.
They work me up at around 3 with more jackhammering. I’m sleepy and annoyed but happy they got it fixed.
SDOT = Seattle Department of Transportation. SDOT does not work on waterlines. The City department responsible for the water mains (and water service lines up to the property line) is Seattle Public Utilities Water Line of Business. Water main breaks must be repaired before the leak causes major damage to the street and utilities that are buried in the right of way. The first step is to turn down the local water pressure using the closest valve on each side of the break. This is done so that as many houses/whatever as possible still have water (although at a lower pressure). Also, positive water pressure is necessary at the break to prevent backflow into the water system. The lower water pressure at the break keeps erosion at a minimum until the break is repaired. The work has to be done whatever time of day or night it is: it’s an emergency. Afer water from your faucet runs clear, clean your faucet’s filter to ensure the filter is not reducing water flow from your faucet.
Geez people, it’s not going to fix itself so be grateful that it’s there for you 99.999% of the time and quit your griping. You think the workers enjoy being out there in the dark, wet cold while all you have to do is insert earplugs and look out from your heated homes and lodge complaints. How about delivering some hot chocolate and cookies as thanks to the Civil Servants toiling for your benefit.
Drove by when the trucks were just arriving on the scene. There was a LOT of water flowing on the road surface.
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