Residents Demand Action as High Water Pressure Causes Slab Leaks

A significant water main break in the city has prompted urgent repairs and raised concerns about water pressure in the Warwick neighborhood. The break, involving a 36-inch main near the intersection of Penn and Tenth, is believed to be over a century old. City officials reported that crews have been working around the clock to isolate the affected section and replace the damaged components.

During the meeting, Mr. Browning, a city representative, provided updates on the repair efforts, noting that water pressure in downtown areas has returned to normal levels following the isolation of a connected 16-inch main. However, challenges remain, as a valve on the north side of the main could not be shut off, necessitating further work to insert a new valve.

In addition to the main break, residents from the Warwick neighborhood voiced their frustrations regarding consistently high water pressure, which they believe has led to numerous slab leaks in their homes. Mark Falk, a resident and geophysicist, presented data indicating that water pressure in the area often exceeds recommended levels, with some homes experiencing pressures over 140 psi, far above the ideal range of 50 to 80 psi.

Falk and fellow resident John Broom detailed their personal experiences with costly slab leaks, estimating that repairs in their neighborhood could total around $25 million. They urged city officials to consider installing a pressure relief valve to mitigate the issue, as many homeowners have been forced to install their own pressure relief systems at significant expense.

City officials acknowledged the residents' concerns and agreed to arrange a meeting with engineers to further investigate the situation and explore potential solutions. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure while addressing the needs of residents facing the consequences of high water pressure.