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‘Water everywhere’: Crews respond to water main break in central Edmonton

Click to play video: 'Water main break leaves a slushy, wet mess on central Edmonton streets'
Water main break leaves a slushy, wet mess on central Edmonton streets
WATCH ABOVE: Epcor advised drivers to avoid the area around a central Edmonton intersection on Tuesday morning as crews responded to a water main break. Lisa MacGregor has the latest – Jan 14, 2025

A local utility provider advised drivers to avoid the area around a central Edmonton intersection on Tuesday morning as crews responded to a water main break.

As of noon, crews had already successfully drained much of the water that had pooled in the area.

A spokesperson for Epcor told Global News the break occurred in the area of 109 Street and 111 Avenue.

“As soon we received a report of the break, we dispatched our crews, who are onsite and currently working to turn off the water,” the spokesperson said in an email sent just before 9:30 a.m. “At this time, we ask those who are travelling in the area to use another route if possible.”

The Edmonton Police Service issued a news release echoing Epcor’s calls to avoid the area until the issue is resolved. Police said the intersection of 109 Street and 110 Avenue was down to one lane in each direction.

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Police officers could be seen in the area directing traffic on Tuesday morning as crews worked to drain the water and to investigate where the break occurred.

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The water main break happened as Edmonton continues to experience a mild start to January.

“Water main breaks can occur this time of year when we see temperature fluctuations,” Epcor said. “As the ground freezes and thaws, it can shift the earth and cause water mains to break. Signs of a water main break include water coming up from the ground, a pool of water on the road that is not near a drain or catch basin, and steam coming off the water in the winter.

“We ask anyone who notice signs of a water main break to call EPCOR 24/7 at 780-412-4500 to report it.”

A man who lives in the area told Global News that as the water main break led to water pooling on the road, he became nervous that it might reach his house. In the end, he did not experience any flooding on his property.

“It was pretty exciting — I looked out the window and I see water everywhere,” Loren Kenney said. “I thought it must have poured rain.

“Cars were coming down here and people didn’t know what to do. … Some had to back up.”

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Kenney said he called police and Epcor after seeing the flooded street in front of his house.

–with files from Global News’ Lisa MacGregor

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