Water main repaired; restrictions still in effect

By Chris Paschenko
The Daily News
Published April 28, 2011

GALVESTON — Water from a repaired 42-inch pipeline could begin flowing again to the island and most of the west county late tonight or early Friday, officials said.

The timetable depends on whether tests detect signs of bacteria in the system, said David Sauer, interim manager for the Gulf Coast Water Authority.

Meanwhile, restrictions prohibiting the watering of landscape, washing cars or filling pools remain in effect. The city could issue fines of up to $2,000 per violation.

The city won’t lift restrictions until its water storage tanks are filled, Alicia Cahill, a city of Galveston spokeswoman said, noting that decision could come midday Friday.

Water samples were submitted to the Galveston County Health District for testing about 9 a.m. Wednesday and results were expected within 24 hours, probably this morning, Cahill said.

If the tests for E. coli are positive, the city would have to test again in 24-hour intervals, Cahill said.

Hanson Pipe began repairing about 5 p.m. Tuesday the pipeline that supplies water to Galveston and water districts that supply Tiki Island, Hitchcock and Santa Fe. The welding job was successfully completed at 3 a.m. Wednesday, Sauer said.

The authority flushed the line Wednesday and was preparing to engage the 42-inch line while halting an alternate supply from Houston and wells in Santa Fe.

The authority has to ensure the water pressure remains high enough to prevent contamination, but too much pressure could cause a rupture elsewhere, Sauer said.

Once the flow is restored from the ruptured pipe, there could be a change in the aesthetic properties of the water. The water could have a smell, but it would be safe for drinking, Cahill said.

The 42-inch water main ruptured during the weekend, turning a field at the Texas City Wye into a pond.

(News Media: For more information contact Kurt Koopmann, GCHD Public Information Officer, 409-938-2211 or kkoopman@gchd.org)