OTTUMWA – The city of Ottumwa experienced a water main break over the weekend, periodically leaving some residents in the western part of the city without water.

On Friday evening, February 17th, 2023, a large water main in the 300 block of West Main began leaking. Upon investigation by the Ottumwa Water Works, they discovered a major leak in a fitting that was most likely installed in 1905.

The areas of Ottumwa that were affected by this leak at the time were the 400 through 1000 blocks of W. Second, 400 through 1000 blocks of W. Main, and 700 through 900 blocks of Gateway Drive. 

Work began right away on permanent repairs and was conducted throughout the weekend, and included equipment and crews brought in from other states. Water flow had been restored on Saturday, and by 4pm on Sunday, new valves had been installed for a more permanent fix.

The Wapello County Emergency Management Agency said they will release more details on their Facebook page in the near future.