Portland Water Bureau crews are on the scene of a water main break that occurred around 4am this morning (Sunday, December 22, 2024) at SW 1st Avenue and SW Arthur Street.
The first team on-site arrived at approximately 4:30am and was able to stop the flow of water to the impacted water main, but the intersection remains flooded. Work continues to pinpoint the exact location of the break, and then replace the damaged main.
The City is advising drivers to please avoid the area. Due to flooding, the intersection is closed going Eastbound toward Naito Parkway / Highway 26. Flaggers will be on scene later today to direct traffic, but we currently anticipate that only one lane of traffic going north on SW 1st street will remain open.
No one is currently out of water as a result of the main break. Nearby residents, mostly commercial customers, may notice changes in pressure or temporary discoloration in the water. This discoloration can be caused by a fine, organic sediment that is always present in our pipes that was temporarily stirred up by the main break.
If impacted customers notice discolored water, consider using water from your emergency water supply or bottled water until sediments settle in a few hours. Here are more tips: What to do during a discolored water event.