Gravette residents face water disruptions after second water main break
GRAVETTE, Ark. —
People living on Baker Street and Main Street in Gravette are seeing water disruptions this morning after a second water main break was discovered early Wednesday morning, according to the mayor’s office.
Crews with the City of Gravette have started pumping out water to identify the second break. Part of Dallas Street is closed while crews are working.
City crews worked for hours Tuesday night to repair an initial water main break, but shortly after completing those repairs, a second break was found in the same area near Persimmon and Dallas Street.
The Gravette mayor said the break was caused by a fiber optic company striking the water line.
The break happened around 5 p.m. near the intersection of Persimmon Street and Dallas Street, sending water rushing through the area and creating an unusual scene that drew the attention of residents passing by.
One city worker was seen repeatedly diving beneath the fast-moving water in an effort to reach the damaged line while other crews worked to contain the flooding.
Despite the dramatic flooding, the mayor said only a small number of customers in the immediate area lost water service.
By Tuesday night, crews had begun pumping water out of the flooded area, a step officials say should help speed up repairs. Workers are expected to remain on scene into the night until the line is fixed.
City officials have not provided an estimated timeline for when repairs will be completed or when affected customers will have water service restored.
Residents were encouraged to avoid the area around Persimmon Street and Dallas Street while crews continue their work.