Water Main Bursts For Second Time This Year

DENVER (CBS4) - Crews are working to repair a water main break that flooded streets and buildings in Denver's Lower Highlands neighborhood on Wednesday.

It's the second time this year the area's dealt with an overflow of water from the same broken pipe, which was installed in 1889.

"This is a pipe that was installed in 1889 and while not every old pipe is in need of repair, it's clear that because it's broken, frequently and recently, that we need to get it replaced," said Denver Water spokeswoman Stacy Chesney.

This most recent break caused problems in the Department of Agriculture building at West 31st Avenue. Workers are evaluating the damage, but are not going into detail about its severity.

Some people visiting Denver had some issues with the water main break in their hotel.

"We came back from dinner and there was a sign on the elevator stating something about a water breakage on Zuni and 29th and that the water would be restored in the morning," said tourist Shaina Yazzie.

The section of pipe is part of a mile-long section that is slated for replacement later this year.

Kevin Isaacson, who lives nearby, shared pictures and video of the gushing water and buckled streets.

Denver Water says 29th Avenue was closed between Umatilla and Zuni while they work to fix the 24-inch pipe. Repairs were completed at 2 p.m. Thursday but repairs to the road may not be completed for several hours. That means the road will not reopen until Friday afternoon.

The same section of pipe ruptured in May 2013.

Denver Water has 3,000 miles of pipe. Engineers are constantly assessing the pipes for structural weakness and damage. This year, more than 15 miles has been designated for replacement.