BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- A break in the large water main in Bellingham flooded streets and cut water service to three square blocks of Bellingham's southside early Wednesday morning.
The 12-inch pipe built in 1926 ruptured about 6:45 a.m. along 16th Street near Donovan Avenue. City officials said the break spilled about 728,000 gallons of water in less than an hour, flooding the area. In the parking lot of the Hillcrest Chapel Church, residents were wading in waist-deep water.
By noon, water service was restored to all except six residences. Bellingham Public Works expects to have water service fully restored by 2:00 p.m.
Classes for Hillcrest private school were cancelled Wednesday because of the break. Western Washington University and Bellingham Public Schools were notified to watch for reduced water pressure and discolored water.
Customers experiencing any water discoloration should contact the Public Works Operations Division at (360)778-7700.
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