Crews in Dawson City, Yukon, worked tirelessly despite freezing temperatures to repair two water main breaks that caused disruptions throughout the week. The incidents, which occurred at Robert Service School and the Westminster Hotel, also led to frozen pipes affecting numerous properties on the same water line.
City officials provided an update on Sunday, indicating that approximately 80 homes still faced frozen lines. Collaborative efforts from city crews, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, and the Yukon government Emergency Management Organization were underway to address broken and frozen pipes, ensuring water access for properties across the city.
Repair work was progressing gradually, with crews focusing on thawing lines on 4th and 3rd Avenues, acknowledging the unique challenges presented by each property. Extensive groundwork near the Westminster Hotel necessitated additional crew and equipment deployment, as highlighted by city authorities.
According to a Saturday night update from the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government, the water main break on 4th Avenue had been repaired, while efforts were ongoing to address the break on 3rd Avenue. Severe weather conditions with temperatures plummeting to -40 C posed considerable obstacles to infrastructure and repair operations, stated the Nation.
The affected area, spanning 13 city blocks, reported frozen water or sewer lines, prompting a boil water order for specific establishments like restaurants, daycares, and hospitals. A broader boil water advisory was in place for the rest of the city, affecting water supplied by the city water plant due to precautionary reasons.
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in advised residents in homes with frozen pipes not to tamper with bleeder valves and to shut off water and power to hot water tanks. The community recreation center was made accessible for water, bathroom, and shower facilities, with additional water refill options at the Dawson Water Plant and Rock Creek.
With icy conditions persisting in the affected areas, residents were cautioned to tread carefully to avoid slip-and-fall accidents. Conservation of water was encouraged, anticipating potential pipe breaks due to fluctuating temperatures despite an expected improvement in weather conditions.
Photo captions: Efforts to restore water access amidst challenging conditions in Dawson City, Yukon. Crews worked through the night in punishing -40 C temperatures. Frozen, slippery sidewalks remain a concern post-water main breaks in downtown areas.