What to do if you see a water main break

A broken water main can release thousands of gallons quickly, flood streets, weaken pavement, and create dangerous driving conditions. In Susanville, a reliable report helps Public Works crews locate the problem, protect nearby infrastructure, and begin repairs as soon as possible.

Water may appear as a steady stream from the roadway, a widening puddle, bubbling pavement, or a sudden drop in pressure at nearby properties. Clear water does not necessarily mean it is safe. A damaged main can carry soil, debris, or contaminants into the flow, while fast-moving water can conceal deep voids and unstable ground.

Recognize the warning signs

Look for water emerging from a crack, sidewalk joint, curb, manhole area, or landscaped strip. Other signs include mud or sediment in the street, unusual water pooling, a section of pavement that looks wet without recent rain, or water pressure that changes abruptly in neighboring buildings.

A main break may be confused with a private plumbing leak, irrigation failure, or sewer overflow. The location can offer a useful clue: water in the public roadway or near a utility corridor is more likely to involve city infrastructure, while water limited to a property may require a plumber or property owner response. When the source is unclear, report it rather than waiting for the damage to grow.

Protect people, vehicles, and property

Stay away from moving water and keep children and pets clear of the area. Do not drive through a flooded section of road, even if the water looks shallow. It may cover a damaged pavement edge, an open utility structure, or a washed-out section beneath the roadway.

If a break is near your home, move vehicles and valuable items away from the low area when it can be done safely. Avoid touching standing water around electrical equipment, downed lines, or damaged utility structures. Call 911 for an immediate threat to life, a serious collision hazard, or an electrical emergency; use the City’s published Public Works or after-hours utility contact for infrastructure reports.

Report the location quickly

When contacting the City, provide the nearest street address or cross street, the direction of flow, and whether water is entering a building, blocking traffic, or approaching a storm drain. Mention visible damage such as a sinkhole, lifted asphalt, broken curb, or exposed pipe. Photos taken from a safe distance can help crews assess the situation, but do not delay a phone report while trying to document it.

Include your name and callback number if requested, along with the time you first noticed the problem. A precise description helps dispatch staff distinguish a water main break from a service-line leak. If the issue affects your water service or you are reviewing related charges, the City’s guidance on sewer service charges explains how utility billing categories may differ.

What you observe	What to do	Why it matters
Water flowing from pavement or a curb	Keep clear and report the exact location	The roadway or underground surface may be unstable
Flooding near a home or business	Protect people and property without entering the water	Water can reach electrical systems and interior spaces
Low pressure or discolored water	Avoid drinking it until service guidance is provided	A break can disturb sediment in the distribution system
Water covering a travel lane	Slow down, turn around, and report the hazard	Flooding may hide damaged pavement or create a collision risk
A suspected private-side leak	Shut off the property’s water if safe and contact a qualified plumber	Service-line responsibility may depend on the leak location

Understand what happens after a report

Public Works personnel may inspect the site, isolate a section of the distribution system, and determine whether the problem involves a main, service connection, valve, hydrant, or another facility. Crews may need to close lanes, excavate pavement, and temporarily interrupt water service while they make the repair.

Residents may notice cloudy water, reduced pressure, or a short-term outage during isolation and flushing. Follow official City notices about boiling water, conservation, or restored service. Do not assume water is ready for consumption solely because flow has returned; use the instructions issued for the affected area.

Take sensible steps during an outage

If your water stops, keep a small reserve for drinking, cooking, and essential hygiene. Avoid opening taps repeatedly while crews are working, since air and sediment can enter household plumbing when pressure changes. Once service is restored, run cold water slowly for a short period if City guidance permits, and stop if discoloration or unusual odor continues.

Businesses, landlords, and facility managers should check whether the interruption affects fire protection systems, boilers, irrigation controls, or other equipment. Notify occupants about access restrictions and keep them away from work zones. Never move cones, barricades, or construction fencing placed around the repair area.

Reduce risk around your property

Homeowners can lower the chance of secondary damage by knowing where the private shutoff valve is located and keeping it accessible. Protect exposed plumbing from freezing conditions, avoid planting large-rooted vegetation directly over utility lines, and arrange prompt repairs for leaking service pipes or irrigation systems.

Water conservation also reduces stress on local supplies during repairs and high-demand periods. Practical ideas are available in these summer water-use tips, including ways to identify waste before it becomes a larger leak.

Keep useful information ready

Save the City Public Works utility contact and after-hours emergency number.
Know the nearest cross street, address, or landmark for infrastructure reports.
Learn the location of your property’s main water shutoff.
Keep children, pets, and vehicles away from marked repair zones.
Follow official notices about water quality, outages, and road restrictions.

Prompt reporting gives Susanville crews better information and helps protect streets, sidewalks, homes, and the water distribution system. If you see water escaping from a public roadway or utility area, contact the appropriate City service promptly and provide clear location details.