COON RAPIDS, Minn. - The sub-zero temps that have embraced Minnesota are tough on humans, their vehicles and apparently... their water systems.
Officials in two north metro communities are confirming significant water main breaks. The first occured in Coon Rapids Tuesday night. A supervisor in the public works department says the call came in about 7 p.m. from a resident near Partridge Street and 122nd Avenue.
The spokesman says shifting ground due to the frigid temps snapped a 6 inch valve, causing water to spray more than 10 up into the air like a fountain and a frozen lake to envelop the street. Crews worked all night to fix the main and clean up the icy mess. A handful of homes in the area were impacted.
A second break was reported Wednesday morning just after 5:30 a.m. in Fridley near the intersection of 62nd Avenue and 6th Street. The breech occured in a resident's yard near a fire hydrant.
Officials in that city aren't certain how many residents were left without water service, if any.
Cold temps are just one factor in water main breaks. The age of a city's infrastructure also plays a part, and water pipes in many first ring suburbs are reaching the end of their useful lives.
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