UPDATE: Brandon’s General Manger of Operations Patrick Pulak says this morning’s watermain break that cut pressure to a large number of residences and businesses in Brandon originated in a large pipe just south of the city’s water treatment plant.
“This was one of the main ones. It was 400 millimetres in diameter and when it blew it affected pressure throughout the system,” said Pulak. “The pipe is 1960’s, it’s concrete and it looks like (the break) was at a joint near a valve – so, it could have just been simply some corrosion or some pitting at some point and it just finally gave way. We’ll know more once we expose it.”
He says water pressure should be restored this morning, and advises boiling your water until the all clear from the province. Pulak says typically when there are incidences of low water pressure and watermain breaks the province will issue a Boil Water Advisory.
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ORIGINAL STORY: The City of Brandon has been experiencing water problems Monday morning. Residents in many neighbourhoods have been without water, have low water pressure or have brown-coloured water. It appears the south and east ends of Brandon have been spared.
In a media release, the city says “Since early this morning, we have been aware of a large spread issue of low water pressure throughout large portions of the city. The Operations Department is coordinating with the Water Treatment Facility to identify the source of the issue. It is suspected that a large water main break has occurred, and we are working to locate this break.
More information will be provided once it becomes available.”
In a social media post – Brandon University says it’s “closed today (Monday, Aug. 15) and all classes are cancelled.” The Healthy Living Centre has also closed its doors.
BU says “they’re unable to operate washrooms, food services, and other essential services. Employees are asked to work from home if they are able.
We will update when we learn more about a timeline for water to be restored.”
