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Fairfax Water crews repaired a water main break near 11459 Washington Plaza in Reston’s Lake Anne area on Jan. 13 after hours of excavation around tightly packed underground utilities.
Nearby townhouse resident John Lovaas said seven Fairfax Water vehicles responded to the gushing water. Crews primarily used shovels because other pipes and conduits were close to the suspected leak, making the search “major work,” he said.
Lovaas estimated that crews opened a section of asphalt and ground about 20 feet long, five feet wide and as deep as 10 feet before finding the leak at approximately 5 p.m. The pipe was repaired, and water service returned about an hour later.
Fairfax Water’s website reported 40 customers without service. Lovaas believed the disruption was broader, estimating that at least 23 townhouses and 72 condominium units were affected, including apartments in the 15-story Heron House.
“The crews deserve some praise and a pat on the back,” Lovaas said.