Academy Boulevard at Maizeland remains closed as crews work to repair water main break

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (KRDO) – Most of Academy Blvd. and Maizeland Rd. will remain closed on Saturday as crews work to fix a major water break.

The incident caused a torrent of water to tumble down Academy Blvd. At around 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon, Colorado Springs Police Department officers were called to direct traffic around the break and a detour is in place.

RELATED: The Main Water Break closes Academy Boulevard in Maizeland through the weekend

According to Colorado Springs Utilities, the water line interruption occurred near a gas pipe with electrical lines overhead. The company said it coordinates with its water department and the gas and electrical teams.

Once the break is repaired, the company will begin flushing the pipes and hydrants in the area, which can kick up sediment in the pipes and make customers’ water more discolored.

Colorado Springs Utilities provided the following tips to affected customers:

• You can try to “flush” your water pipe. First, let water drain from the spigot closest to the main line (usually an outside hose spigot) for 10-15 minutes.
  • If the spigot does not clear, the water in the main line is still discolored.
  • Wait another 4-5 hours and try again.
  • When this tap water is clear, run cold water through every faucet or tap in your home for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the water clears again.
• While this may not fully clear your water due to the severity of the break, it will still help clear the sediment from the water system.
• Although you may be concerned that the water is discolored, it meets or exceeds the safety guidelines of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
• The discoloration you see isn’t dirt, but iron that’s in line and has been kicked up.
• We recommend that you wash your laundry immediately whenever you can, especially light or white loads. The iron currently in the pipes can stain your clothes a rust color.
• Using your water heater can also pull part of the iron into the water pipe.
  • We recommend draining your water heater when the water is clear again.
  • Almost all water heaters have a drain valve at the bottom.
  • It is recommended to do this once a year anyway as part of a preventive maintenance plan. So now is a good time to drain it.
  • For information on emptying your water heater, see the instruction manual.
• If you are affected by this major water break and have specific water quality concerns, you can call our laboratory at 719-668-4560.

In the meantime, Colorado Springs Utilities is asking drivers to avoid the area if possible.

This is a developing story. Contact KRDO News Channel 13 for updates.

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