Watertown, WI

To report an emergency, call (920) 262-4075 Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
After hours call (920) 261-6660.

Examples of Water Emergencies
     - Water Main Breaks (water bubbling in the street or yard)
     - No Water or Loss of Pressure
     - Hydrant Struck by Car or a Hydrant Running

Water Main Breaks

The city's 110 miles of water main are buried about six-feet beneath the ground surface. As a result of age, condition, environmental factors, or other problems, pipes occasionally break. We are more prone to water main breaks in the winter and spring. The extreme weather changes can cause ground shifts placing an unusual amount of stress on the water main lines.

Water main breaks are a serious problem and require immediate attention by our maintenance crews. If you notice water bubbling up through the ground, a wet area appearing during dry weather, or a loss of water pressure within a service area, please notify the Water Department at (920) 262-4075 (7 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.) or the Police Dispatcher at (920) 261-6660 (after hours and on weekends).

When a break occurs, crews work quickly to make the repairs and restore the water service. To make a repair, the water usually must be shut off. The city makes every effort to notify residents before this occurs. However, due to the emergency nature of the repairs, notification may not be possible. A water main break usually takes four to six hours to repair. The Water Department recommends residents keep a pitcher of fresh water in the refrigerator for this type of unpredictable emergency.

When the naturally formed scale on the interior of the piping system is disturbed, some water discoloration may occur for several hours. During this time, limit your water usage, especially hot water. This will limit the storage of discolored water in your water heater and help prevent fixtures, clothing, and dishes from staining. If discoloration continues for an extended period of time, contact the Water Department at (920) 262-4075 during normal business hours.