MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 4, 2021) – On Tuesday, November 2, during the installation of a private dock, a portion of the 36-inch potable water main that lies within the Braden River at 40th Avenue East was punctured by a contractor. Staff immediately investigated and determined there to be no threat to property and began to plan for repair options.
On Wednesday, November 3, a dive team further investigated the water main break. The divers discovered punctures to the top of the water main. The water main affected was scheduled to be taken out of service upon the completion of the 44th Avenue extension bridge project. A replacement water main is included in the 44th Ave extension project. This water main break expedited the timing of the changeover.
Necessary equipment is being obtained by staff, contractors, along with other resources to stop the leak and to prepare for the new connection. It is anticipated that the work will be completed overnight Tuesday, November 16 into early Wednesday morning. This will require homes in the immediate area to be without water during the hours of 9 p.m. through 5 a.m. Manatee County Utilities Department will be communicating directly with the affected residents.
