Crews make repairs after massive water main break in Houston's First Ward, officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Fire Department crews responded to a significant water main break on Sunday that was reported in the city's First Ward.

The break happened near some townhomes on the corner of Sabine Street sometime after 6 a.m. on Sunday.

"When I looked out at one of the windows and saw what I saw, I was shocked," Alicia Tucker, a resident, said. "I mean, there's no words. I was shocked."

According to Houston Public Works, the break started as a minor leak back on Jan. 17 based on a service request.

ABC13 obtained multiple videos showing water rushing from an area where construction was occurring in the middle of the road.

"Things happen, and on a scale of one to 10, this is a 10," Chris Wright, a resident, said.

Additionally, there was damage to an 8-inch water main line, where crews were sent to make repairs on Sunday, Houston Public Works said.

Crew temporarily shut off water for the residents.

Wright said he had little to no water damage inside, but the worry lies with what he can't see.

"I heard some of the professionals talk about gas line impacts and electrical line impacts, so we'll see we'll have to wait out," Wright said.

Officials have yet to say what the cause of the break was or if the break impacted any residents.

Furthermore, repairs were finished on Sunday evening, and residents within the area say the water is back on, according to public works.

Public Works told ABC13 they prioritize fixes based on the impact the leak is having or if it's in a priority area like hospitals, schools, dialysis centers, or people losing water. Other leaks are still on the list, but they are not a priority.

They want to remind residents that if you call and report a leak, and it escalates to call back, they'll go back out there.

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