What to Do When You Encounter a Water Main Break

A water main break can send a large volume of water into a street, yard, sidewalk, or nearby property with little warning. It may also reduce water pressure, cloud the supply, damage pavement, and create traffic or electrical hazards. Quick, calm action helps protect people and gives utility crews the information they need.

The City of Susanville Public Works Department manages essential infrastructure, including municipal water systems, streets, stormwater facilities, and related public services. Residents can find service information and department contacts through the Susanville Public Works website.

Recognize the signs of a broken water main

A sudden pool of water that continues growing, water bubbling through pavement, or a strong flow emerging from a curb or roadway may indicate a ruptured water main. Other signs include an unexpected drop in household water pressure, discolored tap water, nearby pavement cracking, or water entering a basement or crawl space.

Not every flood is caused by a water main. A blocked storm drain, service line failure, irrigation leak, or natural runoff can produce similar conditions. Do not approach the flow to investigate if the area is moving quickly, the ground appears unstable, or traffic and utility hazards are present.

A water main break can undermine soil beneath asphalt and sidewalks. What looks like a shallow puddle may conceal a washout, open void, or weakened roadway. Keep children, pets, bicycles, and vehicles away from the affected area.

Protect people, property, and drinking water

Move to higher ground if water is entering a building. If it is safe to do so, shut off electricity at the main breaker before water reaches electrical equipment. Do not touch electrical panels, outlets, appliances, or cords while standing in wet areas. Leave the building and call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life, a collapse risk, or an electrical emergency.

Avoid driving through floodwater. Even a few inches can hide debris, damaged pavement, or an open utility structure, and moving water can shift a vehicle. Use another route and follow barricades, cones, and directions from emergency personnel.

Keep taps closed if pressure suddenly falls or the water becomes cloudy. A loss of pressure can allow soil or other contaminants to enter a damaged distribution line. Do not assume the water is unsafe forever, but wait for official instructions before resuming normal use or following special conservation measures.

Situation	Recommended response
Water is flowing across a street	Stay back, avoid driving through it, and report the location
Water is entering a building	Move people to safety and shut off electricity only if safe
Tap water is discolored	Avoid drinking it until the supply is flushed or officials provide guidance
Water pressure drops suddenly	Limit use and monitor official city updates
A sinkhole or pavement collapse appears	Keep everyone away and report an urgent hazard

Report the break with useful details

Contact the City of Susanville Public Works Department as soon as possible. Use the department’s published contact information and emergency instructions rather than relying on an unverified social media post. If you cannot safely reach the city because of an immediate danger, contact 911 first.

When reporting the problem, provide the exact street address or nearest intersection, the direction water is traveling, whether traffic is affected, and whether water is entering a home or business. Mention visible pavement damage, downed utility lines, blocked storm drains, or people who may need assistance.

Do not remove barricades, cover a utility marker, or attempt to dig around the leak. Crews must identify the damaged main, isolate valves, assess water quality, and coordinate repairs. Clear information can help them locate the incident faster.

Manage water use during the repair

A main break may cause low pressure or a temporary interruption while valves are closed. Avoid running washing machines, dishwashers, irrigation systems, and other high-volume fixtures until service is stable. If water becomes available again but appears cloudy, run cold water briefly at a faucet into a clean container and check for official instructions before using it for drinking or cooking.

Do not boil water solely because you saw a street leak. A boil-water notice is issued when testing or system conditions indicate that additional treatment is necessary. Follow the city’s specific notice, including its instructions for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, ice, and pet water.

Water that looks rusty or yellow may contain harmless sediment disturbed by changes in flow. However, residents should follow local guidance, avoid consuming questionable water, and report persistent discoloration or unusual odor through the department’s contact channels.

Understand related flooding and infrastructure risks

A water main break can affect stormwater flow, private property, sidewalks, and drainage structures. Keep vehicles and personal belongings away from low areas where water may collect. If erosion threatens a foundation, retaining wall, driveway, or other structure, document the condition from a safe location and notify the appropriate city contact.

Property owners planning work in areas vulnerable to flooding should review the city’s guidance on floodplain development permits. A permit may be relevant when repairs, grading, construction, or changes to drainage could affect flood risk.

Never enter a flooded basement or enclosed area if gas odors are present. Leave immediately, avoid switches and flames, and contact emergency services or the gas utility from a safe location. Public infrastructure emergencies may involve several systems at once, including water, streets, storm drains, and natural gas.

Keep these actions ready

Preparing a simple response plan can reduce confusion during a sudden utility emergency. Save the city’s contact information, know where your household water shutoff is located, and keep flashlights, drinking water, and basic supplies available.

Use these practices when you see or experience a possible main break:

• Stay away from flowing water, damaged pavement, and unstable ground.
• Report the location, severity, and nearby property or traffic impacts promptly.
• Keep people, pets, and vehicles outside the restricted area.
• Follow official boil-water, conservation, evacuation, and road-closure notices.
• Check faucets and appliances after service returns for leaks or unusual pressure.

Public Works information can also help residents understand how local utility systems operate. For questions about another city-managed energy service, the department’s geothermal system FAQs explain common topics and system considerations.

When you encounter a water main break, your safest contribution is to keep clear, report accurate details, protect your household from contaminated or electrically hazardous water, and follow instructions from city crews. Visit the City of Susanville Public Works website for current service information, contact details, project updates, and official notices.