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DPW reports 90 water-main breaks in 2025; committee discusses pressure and aging pipes
Summary
DPW told the committee the December 2025 water-main-break report shows 90 breaks this year, up from 66 the prior year but below a 95-break long-term average; staff said weather and system changes can increase failures in older pipes.
The Department of Public Works presented the committee with a December 2025 water-main-break report and a 26-year graph showing trends in main-break frequency. DPW staff reported 90 water-main breaks this year, an increase from the prior year but still below the 95-break long-term average.
DPW staff told the committee that weather is a major factor affecting annual break totals and that other factors—such as replacing sections of main, increasing pipe size, or adding water towers—can change system pressure and contribute to failures in older mains. "There's a lot of factors... weather is a big component," DPW staff said.
A committee member asked whether local improvements can put stress on older, surrounding pipes. DPW staff agreed: changes that increase pressure can cause failures, and staff explained the city continues to see breaks until older pipes are replaced. The Chair thanked staff for staying on top of repairs during a busy month.
DPW said the report and graph will be attached to the committee minutes. No action was taken; the item was informational.
