City shuts off water in west Topeka after leak is found

TOPEKA (KSNT) - City work crews will shut off water access for several local homes and businesses in west Topeka Monday to make line repairs.

City of Topeka spokeswoman Amanda Knowland told 27 News another water leak has been located in the cast iron water main at the intersection of SW 21st Street and SW Westport Drive on Aug. 5. Workers will shut off water for local businesses and homes in this area around 4 p.m. to make additional repairs.

"Once this is done, about 95% of this water main under SW 21^st St. will have been recently replaced, which should alleviate the repeated issues," Knowland said. "The standard estimate for repairs and water shutoff is 4-6 hours, however, that is pending any unforeseen issues."

Knowland said an earlier statement sent out to local residents about a broken water hydrant was incorrect and sent in error. A contractor on site will lay a section of pipe onto the new main to fix the problem.

Issues first appeared in this area last week on Aug. 1 when traffic was diverted away from SW 21st Street and SW Westport Drive due to a water main break. Photos captured at the scene showed water coming from beneath the street, forcing drivers to find other routes through the area.

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