(December 27, 2004) -- After crews replaced an aging section of an Artesia Blvd. water main that sprung a leak on December 26, a second section gave way at about 2:00 a.m., again sending water (although we're told not as much) into adjacent neighborhoods roughly between Gardenia and Gaviota Aves.
LB Water Dept. Supervisor Chris Miller, who arrived on scene shortly after 2:00 a.m., said the new leak opened up roughly 15 feet west of the spot where the first leak appeared.
When we stopped by at about 2:15 p.m., Supervisor Miller and his crew were wrapping things up.
LB Water Dept. spokesman Ryan Alsop told LBReport.com that the Artesia Blvd. 12" main dates from the 1950s...and in all, three 18-foot sections of pipe were replaced.
"Different temperatures of water have differing impacts on infrastructure," Mr. Alsop said, adding that "cold water temps are the primary cause of water main breaks, which is why we see a disproportionate number in the winter."
Mr. Alsop noted that the LB Water Dept. has decreased the number of water main breaks by nearly 80% over the past five years. "We've accomplished this with an aggressive infrastructure replacement program. Long Beach has one of the most aggressive infrastructure replacement programs in the United States," Mr. Alsop said.
The LB Water Dept.'s web site at www.lbwater.org lists ongoing water projects citywide and items ranging from capital construction to drinking water quality.