The City of Marion is battling two serious problems with the water system that has caused many homes and businesses to go without water or with low water pressure this weekend.
A water line break that started water access issues in one area of Marion on Thursday has blossomed into to two major issues impacting most of Marion on Saturday. The city gave a lengthy explanation in a statement on social media Saturday that can be read in full below.
Marion said it is working to provide bottled water for public distribution and will announce pickup locations when supplies arrive.
"The City of Marion is committed to keeping our community fully informed as we work to resolve the current water service disruptions. We understand the seriousness of this situation and want to provide a transparent explanation of what is occurring within our water system," the city said in a statement.
The report outlined two "critical issues" it says happened at the same time. The first is "significant" damage to one of the primary pumps responsible for moving water from treatment facilities into the distribution system. The second is a major leak in the water distribution system.
Some homes have water, but pressure is lower than normal, the city said, and warned that areas without water may remain affected until repairs are completed. The city didn't give an estimate of when the repairs will be made.
In the meantime, Marion officials ask residents to "conserve and reduce water usage where possible to help stabilize system pressure."
"We fully understand how disruptive and frustrating this is for local businesses, schools, nursing homes, healthcare facilities, churches, community organizations, and individual homeowners and families," the city said. "Your safety and well-being remain our highest priority."
Report major leaks to 334-247-5344.
The city says they are "working with urgency, accuracy, and transparency" and will provide updates in the process of restoring water service.
Here is the full statement from the city:
The City of Marion is committed to keeping our community fully informed as we work to resolve the current water service disruptions. We understand the seriousness of this situation and want to provide a transparent explanation of what is occurring within our water system.
What Happened:
Our water system is currently experiencing two critical issues at the same time:
1. A Major Pump and Filtration System Failure:
One of the primary pumps responsible for moving water from our treatment facilities into the distribution system has suffered significant damage. This pump is essential because it:
Pulls water from the source, pushes water through filtration and treatment processes, and maintains pressure throughout the city’s water lines.
Due to the extent of the damage, the pump and a portion of the filtration system have been removed and sent to an external certified professional repair agency that specializes in large municipal water equipment and projected to be returned in an estimated 24 hours.
2. A Major Leak in the Distribution System:
Our team has also been working to locate and repair a major leak in the water distribution system. When a large leak occurs:
Pressure levels drop across the system, water cannot properly move through all service areas, and some neighborhoods may have little or no water flow. These simultaneous issues have resulted in low to no water pressure in various parts of the city.
What This Means for You:
Some homes do currently have water, but pressure may be significantly lower than normal. Areas without water may remain affected until repairs are completed.
Please conserve and reduce water usage where possible to help stabilize system pressure.
We fully understand how disruptive and frustrating this is for: local businesses, schools, nursing homes, healthcare facilities, churches, community organizations, and individual homeowners and families.
Your safety and well-being remain our highest priority.
We are coordinating with additional agencies to provide bottled water for public distribution. Details on availability and pickup locations will be announced as soon as supplies arrive.
Please report any major leaks to (334-247-5344).
Our Commitment to You:
We are working with urgency, accuracy, and transparency. The City of Marion Water Department will continue providing updates as we move closer to full restoration of water service.
Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding as we work through these critical repairs. Our goal is to restore service safely and as quickly as possible.
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