Another water main break in Dixmoor brings two-week total past a dozen
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Another water main has been repaired in south suburban Dixmoor after a break Saturday bringing the total number for the village past a dozen in just two weeks.
Saturday's break happened near 141st Street and Marshfield, according to Village Spokesman Travis Akin.
No boil order was immediately issued.
A boil water order was lifted just Friday after three broken water mains were repaired. The string of water main breaks prompted Village President Fitzgerald Roberts to declare a state of emergency.
All the breaks have been affecting the village, including forcing schools to close on Monday and Tuesday, after another series of water main breaks left them without water pressure.
The issue has been affecting Dixmoor for years due to the village's aging water system. The water pipes are at least 60 years old and in some cases more than 100 years old.
Some funds for repairs have been provided to the village by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cook County, and the State of Illinois. Another $16 million is expected from the county, state and federal governments, Roberts said, but he estimates $50 million is needed.
Village President Fitzgerald Roberts says Saturday's break has been fixed and no boil order was ordered.
"Our hope that this is the last of the breaks in the short term," Roberts said. "Before we can begin to find more permanent solutions to the water problems in our community, we need to for things to calm down. Unfortunately, every time we think we are in the clear, we have another break."
There has been a total of 14 water main breaks in Dixmoor since Jan. 22.
