Update on water main breaks impacting Topekans

Update 2:40 p.m.: The City of Topeka announced the water service for customers at Southwest Burlingame Road has been restored. City staff will plan and prepare to replace the main at a later date.

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka Infrastructure Communications Specialist Amanda Knowland is giving some updates on recent water main breaks that are impacting local Topeka residents.

I-470 and Southwest Burlingame Road

Knowland said the water main break at I-470 and Burlingame Road is still active. Some residents and businesses in the area are still without water. Knowland said the city doesn't have a timeline for the repair as of yet.

On July 29, the City of Topeka advised of water main work happening at Southwest 37th and Burlingame Road. The city reported there was a leak that was scheduled to be repaired in the morning.

On July 30, 27 News reached out to local businesses Mini Masters Daycare, White Line CDL Training, Mexican Taco Shop and Sports Zone. The businesses all reported impacts from the utility outage.

Knowland said the water service is in the process of being restored after a couple of valves were replaced. She said water pressure might be low following the repair.

"This repair is taking longer than expected due to a couple of challenges," Knowland said. "After the initial break last week, two valves were repaired and those did not hold, so they needed to be replaced again. One valve was replaced early this morning. The second replacement was just completed and the process of airing out the lines has begun."

The City of Topeka is now offering bottled water to those impacted upon request.

"We want to thank residents and businesses for their patience as crews work to restore water services," Knowland said. "Additionally, we would like to thank crews for working tirelessly to restore services as quickly as possible."

Southwest 21st and Southwest Westport Drive

Knowland said the water main break at Southwest 21st and Southwest Westport Drive was fixed Aug. 5. She said the city received reports that at least one business still didn't have water.

"That is being investigated," Knowland said. "Residents and businesses may have noticed low water pressure this morning while the new line was being aired out and flushed. Pressure will gradually increase throughout the day during this process. With the main repaired, crews are also now backfilling the hole. After that, a contractor will begin restoration of the roadway."

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