Notice to the Community: Weekend Water System Shutoff

On Saturday, April 4th, 2026, BCPUD staff responded to a water system leak that required a system-wide shutoff to complete emergency repairs.

The leak occurred on a service line connected to our 10‑inch water main that conveys water from the District’s storage tanks into the distribution system. The service line fitting had corroded and failed, creating a significant leak. The main itself remained intact. Once the leak was identified and isolated (thanks to a sharp-eyed customer who noticed the leak and called it in!), the water system was temporarily shut down to allow crews to safely complete the repairs. After the service line was repaired, staff restored water to the main and stabilized pressure in the system.

Customer water service impacts occurred between approximately 6:30 p.m. and midnight on Saturday. Water service was shut off for less than three hours, followed by additional time needed to fully refill and rebalance the system. Service was restored the same evening.

Emergency repairs were completed with the assistance of Piazza Construction, whose swift response minimized service disruptions. The affected line has been restored and the water system is operating normally; however, some customers may still see cloudy or bubbly water as remaining air clears from the system. Running your taps for a few minutes should clear air from your household pipes.

Why Some Customers Still Had Water During The Outage
Some customers may have noticed that water service continued even after the system shutoff was announced. It is possible for water lines to remain charged with stored pressure, depending on a customer’s location, elevation, and position within the distribution system. As a result, not all customers experience service interruptions in the same way or at the same time.

When customers receive a notification of a system shutdown, we ask that they refrain from using water as much as possible, even if water is still available. Limiting water use helps reduce pressure fluctuations and minimizes the amount of air that can enter the system during depressurization and re‑pressurization, which supports system stability and protects infrastructure.

Ongoing Challenges of Aging Infrastructure
While the transmission main was not compromised, it is important to note that many service lines throughout the district are of similar age and materials. Several comparable service line failures have occurred over the past few years, reflecting broader challenges associated with aging infrastructure.

Like many small and rural water utility districts, BCPUD’s system relies on components well beyond their original design life, with limited funding available for comprehensive replacement. These conditions increase the likelihood of emergency repairs until long‑term capital improvements can be fully funded and implemented.

We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding. BCPUD will continue monitoring the system and working toward long‑term solutions to improve reliability.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact the District office.