GRAVETTE -- A thunderstorm last Friday, which included several jolting lightning bolts, severely damaged a major water line in northeast Gravette, knocking out service to about 20 customers for more than two days.
Corey Reardon, Gravette water superintendent, said lightning struck a six-inch line on Eighth Street N.W. near the Red Fox Road intersection.
"Something like this rarely happens," Reardon said, "but it does."
The strike occurred about 8 a.m. Friday, at about the same time windows in downtown were shaken by a sharp thunderclap.
Repair work on the damaged line began quickly, but it was hampered by the fact that several separate breaks were discovered as repairs progressed. Altogether, about 180 feet of six-inch line had to be replaced. The line continues north on Eighth to intersect with a water line of Spanish Treasure Road.
A break in the line was also discovered north of the lightning strike area.
Reardon explained that repair work moved forward in segments as additional line damage was discovered.
"We keep only 100 feet of six-inch line on hand for repair work," he said. "We were able to get additional pipe from the city of Gentry."
Damage to the two-inch service line serving customers on Red Fox also required repairs in several spots.
"We moved slowly, doing 'spot repairs' a section at a time as further damage showed up," Reardon said.
This required shutting a cut-off valve near the Fern Valley Road intersection. No damage occurred on that line but customer service was affected until all work was completed, he explained.
An additional hindrance which delayed completion of repairs was the proximity of a major Source Gas transmission line, which required locating before repair could be completed at about 2 p.m. Sunday.
The cost of repairs, not including overtime labor expenses, totals $3,805 for pipe and various fittings, Reardon said.
The city has insurance, but it has not been determined if the damage, which may be classified as an "act of God," will be covered.
Reardon expressed appreciation, on behalf of the city of Gravette, to the city of Gentry for the loan of the pipe and appurtenances, also to Decatur and Centerton, which were willing to help if they had the equipment that was needed.
"All towns said, 'anytime you need assistance, call. We'll help if we can. So, for that, I would like to thank them again."
"I would also like to publicly thank the two operators we have in the city, Josh Brannon and Cory Eoff. Their perseverance and dedication to their job shows the pride they have in their profession," Reardon said.
Reardon extended his apologies for any inconveniences caused to the people who went without water for so long.
He has contacted the state health department and was told he should receive results regarding the Boil Order Notice by Friday. When he receives them he will notify the approximately 20 customers affected.
General News on 01/15/2014