Flooded Intersection Closes Businesses

A broken water main shot a fountain of water into the air Tuesday afternoon, flooding an Anaheim intersection and forcing several businesses to close for the day.

The break tore a 10- by 30-foot hole in the pavement and spilled thousands of gallons of water into the streets shortly before noon. No other damage was caused and no one was hurt.

Police barricaded Broadway and Euclid Street for several blocks in each direction through the evening and traffic was diverted from the area.

The break not only inconvenienced motorists and residents, but disrupted businesses. Gasoline station pump islands were empty, stores had no customers and about a dozen businesses were without water.

Some restaurants put up “closed” signs and businesses ranging from hair salons to automotive garages canceled appointments.

“Nobody can drive over here,” said Jim Rayes, manager of a Union 76 gas station. “We don’t have any business today.”

The loss of water was particularly effective at putting the Laundry Stop, a self-service laundry, out of business for the day. “People had clothes in the wash cycle” when the water stopped, said owner Rich Murg.

Anaheim water utility crews worked through the afternoon to repair the 10-inch pipe. Officials expected to restore service to the businesses on Euclid by last night, said Ray Merchant, Anaheim Public Utilities spokesman. No homes were affected, he said.

City officials are investigating the cause of the break. The cast-iron water pipe was installed in 1959 and appeared to be in good shape, Merchant said.

Authorities expect to reopen streets in the area in time for this morning’s commute.