City Works Diligently to Restore Water Service and Improve Pressure

IRONWOOD, MI - Saturday, January 10, 2009 - 1:45 PM - Over three million gallons of water have been lost thus far as a result of the failure of a 16" water main on Lake Street, Friday night. Dozens of homes throughout the area are without water, and residents are experiencing extremely low pressure throughout the City. City staff; City crews; and virtually every area law enforcement agency, fire department, and service agency have been working tirelessly to assist in the crisis. Volunteers from Ironwood and surrounding communities have been giving their time, energy, and money in an effort to help. Local businesses have donated food, water, coffee and other merchandise as well.

Flooding and water outages are major concerns for emergency personnel. The total impact of this crisis may not be realized for some time, however. Water damage could be quite extensive, and may not yet be evident. Erosion under streets is very possible, in fact, is extremely likely.

City crews are flushing lines and checking valves in an effort to restore water service to homes, and to increase poor water pressure. Once the immediate problems with water outages and poor pressure are rectified, the City will need to assess the resulting damages. The Chronicle will provide further coverage as updated information becomes available.