BELLINGHAM - A broken water main caused minor flooding and left some Fairhaven homes without water into the late afternoon, Wednesday, Dec. 8.
A 12-inch cast iron main, installed at least 85 years ago, broke about 6:45 a.m. near the intersection of 16th Street and Donovan Avenue, releasing more than 700,000 gallons in less than an hour, according to city Public Works officials.
Crews replaced a more than 15-foot section of the pipe, and water was restored after 4 p.m. to homes in the area. The work took longer than expected because crews had to replace a valve that broke while the main was being shut down.
The water caused minor flooding nearby. Public Works officials said most of the property damage was in people's yards.
Probably the worst hit was Hillcrest Kids, a child-care center that's part of Hillcrest Chapel at 1400 Larrabee Ave. The center closed Wednesday and will remain closed Thursday because of flooding issues. Officials weren't sure whether the school would be open Friday.
The school is located downhill from the break, and its parking lot and playgrounds looked like a lake as water poured down the road after 7 a.m.
"It all of a sudden started coming in through the parking lot," said teacher Samantha Seholm. "It was pretty crazy. The water came so fast."
Teachers rushed to move cars out of the lot and block the doors downstairs with anything they could to absorb the water - towels, dress-up clothes, pillows and quilts - before it got into the classrooms. But most classes have doors that open to the parking lot, and water flooded in, soaking carpets and some furniture.
Public Works crews pumped water out of the parking lot. The city called in Swan's Clean Care & Restoration to dry the carpets. Swan's will spray the carpets to prevent mold, and the way that dissipates will determine whether children can come back to the school Friday.
"I think right now (we're) just trying not to panic, making sure staff is taken care of and keeping parents informed," said child-care director and pastor Carol Daniel. "It's unsettling, but I'm impressed with how quickly the city has come to our aid."
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