Obetz Teamwork Restores Water Service After Main Breaks

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Back row from left to right: Mayor Angela Kirk, Todd Garwick [P.E. Director of Utilities], Mike Corbitt [P.E. (LEED AP), City Engineer/Deputy City Administrator], Eli Ross [Research & Development Technician], Kyle Ingland [Service Superintendent], Jeremy Maynard [Service Technician], Brendan DeLong [Seasonal Service Technician], Gavin Adkins [Parks & Maintenance Manager], Nick Tuff [Service Intern], Bill Baker [Research & Development Superintendent], Tyson Petry [Service Intern], James Riebel [Service Intern], Marty Ryan [Public Works Superintendent], Jacob Maynard [Service Technician].

Front row from left to right: Bradlee Thomas [Service Intern], Brock McGuire [Utilities Technician], Jordan Doll [Utilities Superintendent].

The City of Obetz faced a challenging situation on Monday, July 29th when a contractor accidentally knocked a fire hydrant off its base on Lancaster Street during the construction of the new park. This incident led to water hammering, causing pressure surges in the pipes and resulting in two main water line breaks. The first break occurred on the park side of Lancaster Street, and the second at the intersection of Marlboro Avenue and Mathews Avenue, necessitating a temporary shutdown of water service in the area.

The repair work, particularly on Lancaster Street, proved complex due to the proximity of underground data lines. Through a specialized hydrovac technique, which uses water to safely excavate around these sensitive areas, City of Obetz staff was able to ensure the integrity of the data lines and infrastructure. 

Effective July 31, 2024, at 10:30 AM, the boil alert affecting the surrounding areas of Lancaster Street, Marlboro Avenue, and Mathews Avenue has been lifted. Safe water is now restored in these areas. Notices will be delivered to each home that was affected.

This incident highlighted the exceptional teamwork of the City of Obetz staff and the invaluable contribution of our seasonal staff and interns. These interns gained hands-on experience in managing water hammering and worked closely with full-time staff, achieving an impressive restoration of water service within 12 hours. The efforts were led by City of Obetz full time staff members who provided crucial guidance on water system operations and repair techniques.

The City of Obetz commends the dedication and professionalism of all involved in swiftly managing this situation and ensuring the community’s safety and infrastructure integrity. Residents’ understanding and patience during these repairs are greatly appreciated as the city continues its commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable water supply.

Mike Corbitt, P.E. (LEED AP), City Engineer/Deputy City Administrator explaining to interns how the water system works and how to make the repairs.
Utilities Superintendent, Jordan Doll, and Utilities Technician, Brock McGuire, working safely in a shoring box used to prevent cave-ins during excavation.
Research and Development Superintendent, Bill Baker, preparing a patch for the 6-inch ductile iron waterline.
Utilities seasonal staff member, Brendan Delong, managing water drainage from the hole to help facilitate the repair.
Utilities Superintendent, Jordan Doll, and Utilities Technician, Brock McGuire, using a crane to lower the replacement pipe section into the hole. The blue bands are waterline repair bands used to connect the existing pipe to the new section.
City interns locating a shut off valve under the supervision of full time staff member J. Maynard.
Image of failed section of pipe from Lancaster Ave.
Second image of the failed section of pipe from Lancaster Ave.
City interns back filling hole at Mathews Ave and Marlboro Ave.