North Little Rock Water Pipe Repaired, Utility Warns of Temporary Discoloration
By Grant Lancaster
NORTH LITTLE ROCK — Residents across Central Arkansas may notice temporary changes to their tap water following a significant water main break that occurred late Tuesday night. Central Arkansas Water (CAW) crews successfully completed repairs on a 12-inch pipe in North Little Rock early Wednesday morning, restoring full service to the area.
The incident, which took place near the intersection of East 19th and Cypress streets, was reported late Tuesday evening between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Maintenance crews worked through the night to address the structural failure, successfully completing the repairs by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday.
While the primary physical repair is complete, CAW spokesman Doug Shackelford cautioned that customers throughout the service area should be prepared for temporary aesthetic changes in their water supply. The pressure fluctuations caused by the pipe burst and the subsequent repair process can displace naturally occurring mineral deposits inside the utility’s aging infrastructure.
“Broken pipes and the repair process can cause pressure changes in other lines,” Shackelford explained. “Higher pressures can scour minerals like iron or manganese off the insides of the pipes, which can cause tap water to briefly turn a rusty color.”
Shackelford emphasized that the discoloration is harmless and generally temporary. He described the discolored water as a “plug” or a localized section of sediment that must work its way through the municipal system before the water runs clear again.
Because the city’s water infrastructure consists of an expansive, interconnected network of pipes, the impact of the pressure drop is not limited to the immediate vicinity of the break. Utility officials warned that residents as far away as the Heights neighborhood in Little Rock could potentially experience these effects.
“Any time you have a big pressure drop like that, it’s going to affect pipes that are interconnected, even if they’re a good way away,” Shackelford said.
For residents who encounter discolored water when turning on their faucets, the utility recommends a simple solution: let the cold water taps run for several minutes. This process typically flushes the mineral sediment out of the line, allowing the water to return to its normal clarity.
Central Arkansas Water will continue to monitor system pressure and water quality throughout the day. Customers who continue to experience significant water quality issues or loss of service after running their taps should contact the utility’s customer service department to ensure their individual connection was not impacted by a secondary issue.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
