Medford, Ore. — A rush of water flooded streets and lawns Monday morning after a water main break in a west Medford neighborhood.
Even first responders were shocked by the scene.
“It looked like a sinkhole–it scared the heck out of me,” said resident Paula Joanes. She was sitting inside her home when she realized water was flooding toward her. “There is water just gushing all thru the driveway the grass–it’s up to the door.”
The break near West Main Street and Jeanette Avenue left businesses and residents stuck.
When Medford Fire-Rescue and the Water Commission responded, the damage was obvious.
“You could see water blowing up in the middle of the street about 3 to 4 feet in the air,” said Captain Randy Green. “If we had an earthquake you would see this all over the city so it’s a pretty scary event.”
The water current was knee high. Crews had to rescue a family of six from their home.
Crews were able to isolate the break and redirect the water into a larger drain on West Main Street.
Ken Johnson with the Medord Water Commission said, “I was worried about the ground sinking in because I know it was burrowing under the road pretty heavily.’”
Johnson believes the weather may have caused the break. “Temperature changes typically they happen in the fall to winter and winter to spring soil changes can cause stress on these cast iron pipes that are more brittle.”
Although the water main pipe was outside of Paula’s house, everything seems to be in good condition. However her next door neighbors weren’t as lucky.
Despite the inconvenience, Paula is grateful for help. She said, “I’m feeling a lot better now that the peeps showed up and they were so fast in responding. In no time were they here.”
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