City of Houston explains reasons for untended water main breaks

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The stream on Braesmain Drive isn't runoff from recent storms -- it's a water main break that neighbors say has been leaking for weeks.

"Water seems to be a very valuable resource down here. It's expensive to just let it flow," neighbor Deb Bollom said.

Erma Trotty lives in a different neighborhood, but says she's seen the water running down many Houston streets. She doesn't understand what takes Public Works so long to fix the breaks.

"If you have water all over the city doing the same thing, then the next thing you know, you won't be able to use your water as often as you do," Trotty said. "They're going to ration the water."

Edwin Moody has watched the water flow down the pavement, into Brays Bayou for decades.

"I've been here since 1960, and I've seen that water break just about every summer," Moody said. "It never really has been fixed secure."

Now, his biggest concern is watching cars speed by the slick street.

"When they hit that water, several cars, I could see them swerving and almost have accidents out there," Moody said. "Luckily, we haven't had an accident yet."

Public Works says it has received complaints about the Braesmain Drive leak, but water main breaks are just part of summertime in a big city.

For Trotty, there is no excuse.

"We're paying their salary, so they need to come out and fix it," Trotty said. "Do your job. And just remember, this is an election year."

After we checked, Public Works said it's scheduled to fix the water main on Sunday. We'll let you know if that happens.