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LA VERKIN HOT SPRINGS — A district's main pipeline collapsed Tuesday near La Verkin Hot Springs.
Officials from the Washington County Water Conversancy District responded to reports of a collapsed main water line, according to public information officer, Karry Rathje.
The regional water line captures water from the Virgin River and relocates it in the Sand Hollow and Quail Creek Reservoirs, according to Corey Cram, the Associate General Manager for the Washington County Water Conservancy District.
Rathje said officials found the pipeline collapsed and around 120 feet of the 72-inch steel pipeline will need to be replaced. The air valves were opened to allow the water to drain when the cold temperatures caused an air valve to freeze which then deregulated pressure in the pipeline, Cram said.
The Washington County Water Conversancy District has dispatched crews to survey the situation as well as check other air valves susceptible to cold temperatures. They are also estimating the time frame and cost for the pipeline repair.
Rathje said water delivery to the district would be uninterrupted and the pipeline collapse would not affect any residents in the area. However, the collapsed pipeline prevents the district from collecting water to replenish the reservoirs so Rathje encouraged residents to use water wisely.
