Stage One water shortage in the City of Marshall after line break

MARSHALL – After a water transmission line was damaged in Marshall, the city has implemented a Stage 1 water shortage.

According to a report from our news partner KETK, the damage to the line was caused on Wednesday after a contractor accidentally struck the line while boring a fiber optic line off State Highway 134. The damaged line was originally installed in 1949, and it serves one of two transmission lines delivering raw water from the pump station to the Caddo Jr. Reservoir.

Following the accident, the city immediately assessed the damage and began repair operations. The city has authorized RBIS, LLC to proceed with manufacturing and install temporary clamp on the damaged line to restore pumping capacity through both transmission lines.

Although repairs have begun, a permanent repair cannot be implemented until the water pressure is fully relieved and the reservoir returns to full capacity. The city stated that the process to repair the line will take six to eight days to ensure there are no leaks in the system.

While the city remains under a stage 1 water shortage, residents are asked to conserve water by taking shorter showers, running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, postponing non-essential outdoor watering, fixing any leaks promptly, and using water-efficient practices.

“The Stage 1 water shortage will remain in effect until conditions improve and will be rescinded when triggering events have ceased for 15 consecutive days,” The City of Marshall said. ” Citizens can expect continued safe drinking water service as crews work to restore full capacity to the water system.”