Water main break at Broadway and Ninth Street more public than usual

The water main break Saturday at Broadway and Ninth Street that sent water flowing down Ninth Street in large quantities wasn't bigger than usual — it was just more public.

Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Strawn said so much water was seen above ground because there was already a hole in the road to expose the line so it could be replaced. He said the Water and Light Department had planned to replace the line that broke on Tuesday.

At 9 p.m., Strawn said the department hoped to be finished replacing the broken section by midnight.

Strawn said there will not be a boil order issued because the department was able to keep pressure in the line throughout the break, so no water from outside the line got in.

He said most businesses that had their water turned off for the repair decided to close for the evening, but for businesses wanting to remain open, Water and Light provided bottled water it keeps stored for these situations.