Cause unknown after water main break floods roadway, depletes water towers

EAST MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) - A large water main break caused an East Moline intersection to be flooded.

Officials said multiple city water towers also saw a rapid drop in water levels.

According to the City of East Moline, around 3:30 p.m. Saturday a large feeder line broke near the intersection of 7th Street and 12th Avenue.

Officials said the East Moline Water Filtration Plant and Distribution teams worked to isolate the break and continue water distribution to the city.

Due to partnerships with the City of Moline, officials said connected lines were open to allow Moline water to supplement East Moline’s supply.

The broken pipe was repaired by Sunday morning, officials said.

The cause of the break remains unknown but officials said breaks can occur for a variety of factors including aging infrastructure.

Officials said the East Moline water infrastructure is over 60 years old.

To address concerns the city has developed a Water Master Plan. Officials said the plan outlines major repairs and upgrades to the water filtration plant, water towers and pumping stations.

The city said it will also increase the rate of pipe replacements over the next several years to increase reliability.