A water main break on Thursday night in Hollywood has caused considerable disruption along Oklahoma Street near A1A, flooding the area and leading to intermittent water service from Arthur Street to Nevada Street. The rupture involved a 12-inch water line, and according to Joanne Hussey, a spokesperson for the city of Hollywood, the cause has not yet been determined. Local 10 News reports that city crews worked through the night to begin repairs on the damage.
Yesterday morning, the situation led the city to shut down two southbound lanes by A1A and Oklahoma Street. The break has directly affected nine homes and caused inconveniences for tourists unable to access their hotel's parking lot. Crews were still at work repairing the damage yesterday afternoon. "It is a very big inconvenience, yes. We can’t have access to the parking lot so I don’t know what’s gonna happen tonight," a tourist named Patricia told 7News as she contended with the closure.
Mayor Josh Levy stated that there was no construction happening at the time of the water main failure, and identified a broken valve as the culprit. This valve, equipped long ago with non-stainless steel bolts, had corroded and eventually gave in, leading to the burst. Cell phone video captures water erupting out like a geyser, as described by a local resident who witnessed the event. "I came outside, I don’t remember what time but there was, like, a geyser in the middle of the road and shortly after that, we lost the water and it’s been off ever since," the resident told 7News.
Despite the valve issue being temporarily resolved, other parts of the water system have also sustained damage, necessitating further repairs. Officials have issued a Precautionary Boil Water Advisory for the nine impacted properties, advising residents to only use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, making coffee, and for food preparation. This advisory remains in place until tests confirm the water is safe to consume once more. As of last night, water began to flow again, but the area continued to be cordoned off as preparations are set to begin Monday for more expansive repair work.
