DURHAM, NC – Multiple water main breaks across Durham on Tuesday caused disruptions for residents and businesses, as city crews scrambled to repair the damage and restore service.
At least five separate breaks were reported throughout the city, leading to flooded streets and water pressure issues for customers—particularly in Southeast Durham. Despite the widespread impact, city officials have described the situation as “normal seasonal activity.”
Eyewitness Reports and Community Impact
Local resident Friedrich Hahn was among those who witnessed the water gushing onto the street.
“We were having our morning coffee, looked outside, and saw what looked like a spring erupting in the middle of the road,” Hahn told CBS 17.
He quickly reported the issue to Durham One Call, and city crews arrived within 20 minutes to assess the damage.
Meanwhile, Kevin Dugan, another resident affected by the water main breaks, expressed concern about the city’s infrastructure.
“The city is dealing with a lot right now,” Dugan said. “I had no idea this was even a problem, but clearly, this is serious.”
What’s Causing the Water Main Breaks?
According to Durham Water Management, recent fluctuating temperatures have played a major role in the increase in water main failures. Sudden shifts in weather can cause underground pipes to expand and contract, leading to cracks and eventual breaks.
Locations of Reported Breaks
City crews responded to at least five major water main breaks on Tuesday, including:
• Braton Road
• 500 block of Liberty Street
• Ruffin Road
• Croasdaile Farm Parkway
• 2900 block of Angier Avenue
Officials say they are prioritizing restoring service to affected customers but have not yet provided an estimated completion time for repairs.
What to Do If You Experience Water Issues
Residents experiencing low water pressure or outages are encouraged to report the issue by contacting Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200.
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