City Crews Working to Repair Water Main Break

Kirstin Davis, 509.625.7773

Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 2:26 p.m.

City of Spokane Water Department crews worked into the night to assess and repair a water main break at Freya St. and 13th Ave. in south Spokane. While assessing the break, two additional breaks have been discovered in the nearby area. Crews and resources will be available to work through the weekend to replace pipe sections as needed. Valves are being installed to reduce the impact on water customers and temporary services will be used to provide service.

Work in this area is challenging because of rock and the dense network of pipes in the system with various pipe types and connections. Additional pavement will need to be removed in order to complete the work.

Once the pipe work is complete, the entire area of pavement will need to be assessed for repair. That has not been done yet. The City Streets Department will make the repairs as quickly as possible. There is no estimated timeline at this point. The public should avoid the area, follow detours and anticipate delays.

Fast Facts:

  • Breaks are in six-inch cast iron distribution pipes that were installed in 1955.
  • There are more than 1,000 miles of water main pipes in the City's water system pumping up to 100 million gallons of clean and safe water every day.
  • This area has been planned for improvements and replacements as part of the 6-Year Capital Plan and is now being expedited to be replaced sooner than originally scheduled.