Second Water Break for Quemazon

Published on April 30, 2024

Water crews from the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) are working on an emergency water leak on Quemazon again today within the same area as a water valve failed last week. Water is off for houses in the immediate vicinity of the break and is expected to remain off until at least 4 p.m. today.

Traffic controls are in place for the work zone, which runs along Quemazon between Tranquilo and Corona. This area is closed to through traffic for the duration of the repair and cleanup. Residents may detour at Corona and Tranquilo. Drivers are asked to exercise caution near the work zone.

Like last week’s leak, this break is also due to corrosion on the underground piping system. DPU staff is developing a plan to proactively replace valve hardware upstream from the two valves where breaks have occurred as the pressure impact of repairs may increase the likelihood of breaks to neighboring valves.  

DPU crews worked with Los Alamos County Traffic and Streets Division staff to put a road repair plan in place last week as part of the cleanup from the previous break. The area where prep work was done for the road repair was damaged again when this second water valve broke last night. This new damage will likely extend road work through next week. 

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