JOHNSON COUNTY, KS (KCTV) -
The heat is causing problems with sidewalks and driveways, as water main breaks have forced crews to dig them up to fix lines underground.
It has been one of the busiest summers on record for WaterOne in Johnson County, KS. They have fixed more water main breaks this summer than ever before, and there is no sign the problem will let up anytime soon.
It is becoming a familiar sight in Johnson County as crews work to repave sidewalks and driveways, repairing the damage left from yet another water main break.
Workers spent the afternoon Monday on Lamar Avenue and say they have been all over Johnson County on similar jobs.
Mandy Cawby with WaterOne says this summer has been one for the record books.
"We had 202 main breaks in July, which is about twice as much as we saw in July 2011, and August is shaping up to be the same way," Cawby said.
Down the road near a public school, it is a similar sight. Patches of brand new sidewalk marking where another water line burst.
Cawby says while rain will help ease the problem, too much rain could actually make things worse.
"Sometimes when we see a drought break abruptly, and we see rain that can affect it. Heating and cooling affects evaporation so that affects the earth," Cawby said.
Cawby is hoping September will bring cooler temperatures and fewer problems. But in the meantime, WaterOne is working closely with third-party contractors to repair any damage caused by their infrastructure.
"It depends on every situation, but if the main breaks, we repair the damage on the public portion of the easement," Cawby said.
Cawby said WaterOne operates as a nonprofit and tries to shape the budget to take these problems into account. She doesn't expect water rates to be affected.
If anyone has a problem with their water or a break to report in Johnson County, they are asked to call WaterOne directly at 913-895-1800.
In Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS, report water main breaks by dialing 311.
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