Citywide water main breaks keep utility crews busy

Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System has all but two water leaks repaired after a wild week of winter weather that resulted in 15 water line breaks and the replacement of 60 water meters due to freezing.

One of the two leaks still being tracked down is in a 14-inch water main right beside the power system offices on South Main Street, according to General Manager David Crowell. The other is a two-inch water line on Hickory Drive.

Crowell said he's had his crews working around the clock and has finally had to begin rotating shifts in order to get employees some rest.

One large leak took place along the Jefferson Street / State Route 82 Bypass, where a 12-inch water main broke. Crowell said the line was one of the oldest in the system.

"It's probably in the 50-year range," said Crowell.

Most of the breaks were in 2-inch lines, he said. Breaks in 12-inch or 14-inch lines are "pretty unusual," he said.

The water main break created flooding right next to Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, the oldest church building in Shelbyville, but the Rev. Peter Whalen said this morning that none of the water got into the church and there was no damage.