Albert Welch digs asphalt and brick out of National Avenue at about 2 a.m. Wednesday after learning that a 6 inch water main burst under the road. -- Justin Messner/Tribune Photo [Click to enlarge]

The Fort Scott Tribune

At 11 p.m. Tuesday night Bill Lemke, Fort Scott water distribution supervisor, received a call explaining that a water main had burst near the intersection of National Ave. and Wall Street. Lemke would soon find out that this was just the start of his trouble.

Between 11 p.m. Tuesday and 1 p.m. Wednesday, seven water mains burst in Fort Scott. This is the highest number in one day Lemke could remember, especially during the summer season.

Lemke explained that frost induced ground movement during winter months is usually the cause of multiple main breaks in short periods of time.

"Unfortunately this happens about once a year," he said. "But, it's usually in the winter when temperatures get up to about 40 or 50 degrees and drop below freezing at night. Freezing ground sifts and moved the ground causing mains to break."

So, what did cause the numerous ruptures? Lemke said he could not pinpoint any one problem, but, believed the age of the pipes was a definite factor.

"We have been able to trace some of the mains back about 50 plus years," he said. "I don't know how old these pipes were, exactly ... but, the mains in downtown are some of the oldest mains."

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During a major main break there are generally three immediate concerns according to Lemke. Those concerns include:

The city's water loss. When water pipes break, especially larger pipes, many times they are carrying a pressure load of 40-60 P.S.I. This can result in tens of thousands of gallons of water being distributed into the ground, costing the city a large amount of money.

Damages caused by flowing water to businesses or homes. Even with curbs and guttering in place, water pushing into the streets at high pressure can rise quickly and damage property.

Straining the water plant. When a large amount of water is dispersed at one time, the water treatment plant can struggle to replace it. This can result in plant malfunctions and water loss to area residents.

Lemke said that he was unaware of any damage caused by these main breaks.

Three major lines broke in the 13-hour period including; one six-inch lines on National Avenue, one near Winfield Scott Elementary School and one near the vacant Key Industries building on Wall street.

Lemke said he was not aware of how much water was actually lost during this time, but did receive a call from the water treatment plant at which time they reported being dangerously low in their clear well -- the main water feeder for the city.

Lemke reported having up to 18 men out working on the numerous main bursts at one time at voiced his appreciation to the Fort Scott Street department for their assistance with manpower.

"They really stepped up for us," he said. " I think the street department just does a heck of a job."

Another cause for concern when problems like this arise is the cost to make necessary repairs. Lemke said each main break yields a different figure, but on average it costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 in labor and supplies. Even at $2,000, that leaves a bill of $14,000 for Tuesday and Wednesday's repairs.

If there is a silver lining to this unfortunate event, it might be the current street upgrades being completed as part of a project called StreetScape. This initiative began on June 21 and is being completed in several areas of downtown Fort Scott. The street repair project includes the replacing of old and malfunctioning water mains. Lemke said he did not know if the StreetScape project was scheduled to work on any of the areas effected by these main bursts.

Lemke said he was excited to see the StreetScape project getting underway and believes it will make a great difference in the performance of local water works.

"I am really glad to see these upgrades being made," he said. "It is going to greatly improve water supply and fire protection to businesses downtown."

The water crew, which worked around the clock repairing damaged line Tuesday and Wednesday, have several projects of their own each year, repairing and replacing faulty water mains. In fact, the crew began a water line replacement project Tuesday morning to a main on the Northeast side of the city, but was forced to put the project on hold due to the other main breaks.