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Across Shelby County, eight primary pumping stations send water flowing into the sprawling network of water mains beneath our streets, which adds up to about 3,700 miles worth of civic plumbing. And that massive aquatic infrastructure was hit with a one-two punch this week, according to Memphis Light Gas & Water officials.
First, pumping station wells (there are 140 of them) began freezing up, their machinery and electronics burning out due to the strain. They’re still being fixed, but it means reservoirs are low and less water is entering the system.
Then, water mains began rupturing from the cold. As of Friday afternoon, MLGW has made 60 repairs to these major arteries, with five more in progress. More breaks are expected, or have yet to be unearthed. To fix them, crews have to locate the problem, then reduce the water pressure in order to patch the leak with a sleeve. That is, unless the fracture runs lengthwise, which necessitates more extensive repairs.