Water shoots into air after massive main break in Norwood Park
Water shoots into air after massive main break in Norwood Park
Crews scrambled Monday evening to contain a major water main break in unincorporated Norwood Park neighborhood, prompting concern among residents.
NORWOOD PARK, Ill. - Crews scrambled Monday evening to contain a major water main break in unincorporated Norwood Park on the city's Far Northwest Side, while a towering geyser captivated neighbors for hours.
Repairs to fix the water main break were underway into the night.
What we know:
The break occurred around 1 p.m. at the corner of Manor Lane and Bryn Mawr Avenue after a private contractor struck a 48-inch feeder main, according to officials.
As a result, water shot straight out of the ground for several hours until crews successfully closed the valve.
The damaged main carries water to O’Hare Airport and several western suburbs, a city worker said.
Water was seen shooting out of the ground and into the air like a geyser following the break.
In order to shut off the valve, Chicago Department of Water Management workers were underground for several hours. Crews faced difficulties in the process, but were able to shut off the valve around 8:30 p.m.
What they're saying:
Neighbors of all ages marveled at the site on Monday.
"I was in the kitchen and I heard a lot of helicopters outside and I thought, 'Oh, something must have happened on the expressway,'" said Mary Jo Schillinger.
It wasn't the expressway that drew SkyFox overhead — it was water shooting sky-high.
"It's got to be 50 feet," Schillinger said.
The water main break quickly became an area attraction throughout the afternoon and evening.
"I feel like I'm at Niagra Falls," said Lyn Estka. "All I know is I was out walking and I heard a pop earlier in the day, and there was a little bit of water. Then by the time I got home, I heard from the neighbors there was a lot of water, and it's been going on for hours. I was wishing I was about 8 years old and I could go there and play."
With so much water coming out of the ground, it flooded nearby streets.
"My neighbor told me to come look, I wouldn't believe it, and I came around the corner and I didn't believe it, it's like something out of a movie," said Mark Palmer.
Residents, like Palmer, started taking precautions to prepare for a possible water shutoff — he was less worried about himself, and more about his pup, Chico.
"Filled up a couple five-gallon buckets for him just in case," Palmer explained.
What's next:
Some area residents, on Monday night, shared with FOX 32 that they still have water service.
Crews on-site said the break was unlikely to impact water supply to nearby homes or lead to boil order in the neighborhood. If a boil order is issued, residents will be notified by the city.