(Updated at 7:50 a.m.) A large water transmission main serving Arlington ruptured early this morning amid falling temperatures, prompting major closures.
The water main break was first reported around 4:30 a.m. on the Arlington side of Chain Bridge. The northern end of N. Glebe Road, a portion of Chain Bridge Road and Chain Bridge itself are all expected to remain closed throughout the morning rush hour as a result.
The rupture caused a portion of N. Glebe Road, on the hill leading to Chain Bridge, to collapse, photos from the scene show.
Large water transmission pipes run under the Chain Bridge, bringing water from the Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant in D.C. into Arlington.
Though as of 6:35 a.m. Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services reported that “crews have stabilized the transmission main break and pressure is being restored to County water lines,” much of the Arlington’s water service is impacted and nearly half of the county is under a precautionary boil water advisory.
Arlington Public Schools have closed today (Friday) due to the lack of water service.
Emergency Water Main Break: Crews are investigating a large water transmission break at Glebe Road and Chain Bridge. Pressure drops reported in several locations. Avoid turning on taps if possible. Avoid Chain Bridge as work continues. #VAtraffic pic.twitter.com/tGTMhX9hWO
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) November 8, 2019
Update 6:35am: Crews have stabilized the transmission main break and pressure is being restored to County water lines. Boil Water Advisory, issued strictly as a precaution, remains in effect.
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) November 8, 2019
All schools and offices are closed today, Fri, Nov. 8 due to a large water main break on N. Glebe Rd. Because of the water main break, water pressure is significantly impacted throughout the county. See School Talk Message or Website for details.
— Arlington Public Schools (@APSVirginia) November 8, 2019
This is what crews are dealing with 😬 @ABC7News @ABC7GMW #GMW https://t.co/AYDqrDhmub pic.twitter.com/eY5RT88wQc
— Kristen Powers (@ABC7Kristen) November 8, 2019
More on the boil water advisory, from a county press release:
As a precaution, Arlington County has issued a Boil Water Advisory for customers in the eastern area of the County (excluding Crystal City) who may be impacted by a large water transmission main break at Glebe Road and Chain Bridge Road. (See area… on the map.) The break caused pressure drops in several locations across the County. The advisory is a safety measure because of the depressurization.
If you live in the affected area, you should bring your water to a rolling boil for three minutes then cool before:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Preparing baby food and formula
- Making ice
- Giving to pets
Information will be shared when the advisory has been lifted. Check the County website for updates.
Map via Google Maps