The City of Wichita continues repairs on the leaks in a 42” water main pipe located between the Hess pump station at 1601 Museum Blvd and the current water treatment facility. Customers should not experience any service impacts from the leaks at this time.
During divers’ inspections over the weekend, one additional crack was found. No defects have been found downstream of the known leaks. It is believed the mode of failure is due to workmanship on the joints during construction which is in line with research findings for this particular age and kind of pipe. Crews are moving forward with spot repairs of the three defects.
Construction of the bypass for the pipe repair continues. A plan will be developed to perform a condition assessment on the portions of the finished water pipes that cannot be accessed by divers as part of this project.
Safe water pressure is being maintained as crews continue to make repairs. The pipe with the leak is one of three that supplies treated water to the Hess Pump Station.
Public Works and Utilities became aware of a leak the afternoon of March 23 at roughly 1 p.m. and are working around the clock to monitor the leak and water pressure.
