News Summary
Birmingham Water Works has completed critical repairs on multiple water leaks in Mountain Brook, enhancing water service following a significant main break. The repairs, conducted by Central Alabama Water, included identification and resolution of additional leaks. Residents may experience temporary plumbing issues but can clear them by running cold water. Additionally, a $28 million project for Lake Purdy repairs has been authorized, emphasizing the importance of preventing potential disasters from dam breaches that threaten nearby communities.
Birmingham – Birmingham Water Works has successfully completed repairs on multiple water leaks in Mountain Brook, ensuring improved water service for residents. The work followed the report of a significant water main break on 21st Avenue South, which occurred around 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 10.
A team from Central Alabama Water was deployed to address the main break and, in the process, they identified two additional leaks nearby. Repairs were promptly executed, and all work was completed by Thursday night. Residents who may notice air in their plumbing or brown water as a result of these repairs are advised to run cold water through their faucets for five minutes to clear their pipes. For further inquiries, customers can reach out to Central Alabama Water at 205-244-4000.
In addition to the recent leak repairs, Birmingham’s regional water board has authorized the continuation of a vital $28 million project aimed at repairing Lake Purdy. This project had been delayed due to earlier cost concerns but has now resumed, underscoring its importance. The Lake Purdy Dam carries a high hazard classification by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, given the potentially devastating effects a breach could have on nearby communities.
The ongoing repairs are critical to ensure a safe and reliable drinking water supply for several suburban Birmingham areas, including Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills. A previous water board had approved a substantial $78.7 million contract with Thalle Construction, alongside an additional $6.8 million for management fees related to the project.
Funding for these repairs is set to involve bond proceeds and a significant $171 million federal loan provided under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. However, the newly formed water board has voiced concerns regarding the structure of the federal loan and will evaluate potential options to restructure it.
The decision to move forward with the repair project came after a closed-door executive session lasting approximately 40 minutes, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Engineers have warned that failure to repair the dam poses risks of significant disaster, including potential loss of life. Engineer Patrick Flannelly has noted the magnitude of overflow disasters that could impact thousands of homes in the region.
Moreover, it is estimated that restoring the construction area to its original condition would require an additional $10 million. The Birmingham Water Works remains committed to advancing the water system while minimizing the impact on customers. This commitment is reflected in their substantial investment trend; from 2020 to 2024, the organization plans to invest $142 million in water main replacement projects, with an extra $20 million allocated for 2025.
As Birmingham Water Works continues to address these important water infrastructure challenges, the organization prioritizes safe and sustainable water services for its residents, reaffirming its commitment to the community’s well-being.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Water Board Resumes $28M Repair
- Google Search: Birmingham Water Board repair
- WBRC: Water Main Break Causing Outage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Infrastructure
- WVTM: Water Service Main Break in Homewood
- Google News: Water Service Outage
- ABC3340: Birmingham Water Outage Planned
- Google Scholar: Water Main Breaks
- AL.com: Homewood Water Service Outage Scheduled
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Services
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
