City of Bellingham Public Works crews have completed repairs to a watermain that broke at 2600 Donovan Avenue in Bellingham's south side. The crews began repair shortly after 11 a.m. and completed the work early evening, Friday, Aug. 11. Work is now under way to fill and flush the system to fully restore service.
Water service to most neighborhoods in the area had already been restored by mid-afternoon. Homes on Donovan Ave between 30th and 24th (served directly by the broken main) will remain without water until the filling and flushing is completed. Full service is expected to be restored before midnight. Public Works delivered bottled water and set up porta-potties at the Varsity Village apartments on Donovan Ave.
The break pulled water from several reservoirs resulting in a loss of pressure in several areas and particularly initially impacted those in the Happy Valley, Sehome Hill and Chuckanut neighborhoods, including Western Washington University. Once water was shut off to the site of the watermain break, water level in the reservoir began rising and water pressure was restored.
City crews and restoration contractors have started cleaning and repairing damage to properties affected by the flooding waters. Crews are also monitoring flooding flows and muddy water in Padden Creek related to the broken main.
In some areas where water was off or pressure was reduced for several hours, residents reported brown or murky water. For those whose tap water is not clear:
- Run water through the largest outflow possible, such as a hose outside;
- Let the water run several minutes (it will take longer if you're only running an inside tap);
- To report concerns about water quality, phone (360) 778-7700 (you may need to leave a voice message, be sure to include your name and address.)
For additional information, please contact: Eric Johnston, P.E. Assistant Director, Public Works via ecjohnston@cob.org.
