Ten Thousand with No Water: Broken Valve Now Fixed...
By
Cynthia Cano
Story Created:
Aug 29, 2009
Story Updated:
Aug 31, 2009
It's the city of Laredo's main source for water and, early this morning, a valve inside the Jefferson Water Treatment Facility gave out, leaving thousands with little to no water. Crews spent the day trying to replace that 24 inch water valve. Several parts of the city were affected by this incident, including areas surrounding Saunders, Guadalupe, Springfield, and Arkansas. Several local businesses shut down for the day as a result of this, and the Laredo Medical Center was even forced to use their own reserved water supply to make it through the day. Officials with the City of Laredo Utilities Department blamed today's main break on the system's old pipes and valves and said they hope to replace these valves soon in order to avoid another problem like today's. Tomas Rodriguez, Director of the Utilities Department said, "The 24 inch 90 that failed was installed in 1953 and the caulking that was used was lead. It was the old type of caulking and this is the type of system that we have there. We have received bids and will probably be awarding the bids to the contractor in October." Over 10 thousand residents across Laredo were affected by that broken valve. Officials say the pipe has been fixed, but it won't be until midnight that normal water pressure will be fully restored.
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JC Justus said on Wednesday, Sep 2 at 1:34 PM
The current system installed in 1953 with LEAD and our City Fathers are aware of this? How about lets fix the plumbing before we start giving ourselves raises Mr. Leal and the others; you know who you are and so do we! We all know you folks earned those raises; NOT!
28636576Ugh said on Sunday, Aug 30 at 12:40 PM
The director of the Utilities department looked pretty smug. He apparently didnt have to deal without having water. They should always have backup parts.
28479407Great Infrastructure said on Sunday, Aug 30 at 11:50 AM
The city is broke.Not even the Mexicans want to come here.How are they paying anyone?
28477119Don't Worry,,, said on Sunday, Aug 30 at 9:40 AM
You'll still have a new golf course and bridge and as today's newspaper headlines reads, a new water park.............but no water! Don't forget you can still play eight liners, but won't be able to use the restrooms. Thank you City Council!
28470427Upset said on Sunday, Aug 30 at 7:34 AM
Going on 24 hrs here without water. What is Laredo doing to remedy this? This situation goes to show you that Laredo is in no way prepared to handle such tremendous situations that affect it's community. Plus, Laredo has no set number to call and contact in such cases. The 311 service can give you no service at all, and Laredo utilities department are closed on the weekend.
28465154Missy said on Saturday, Aug 29 at 11:26 PM
Uhmmmmm...still NO WATER here! This situation is absolutely unsannitary! The city of Laredo needs to reconsider how they spend our tax dollars because getting water to our residents should be a top priority!
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