DALE CITY, Va. — Water has been restored to some 200 customers in Dale City who lost it Sunday night, and we now know more about the cause of the problem.
The break was caused by rusted bonnet bolts that, when working properly, provide a leak-proof enclosure for the water value on the main. The main that ruptured Sunday night on Catalpa Court in Dale City was 12-inches wide, said Virginia American Water spokeswoman Samantha Villegas.
It caused a geyser that shot water about 10-feet into the air and blew chunks of asphalt and other debris from the ground, and created a sinkhole.
Water service was restored to affected homes by 2:30 a.m. Monday, and the sinkhole was backfilled and repaired well enough for traffic to drive over it, added Villegas.
No one was injured in the water main break. Locally, Virginia American Water maintains systems in Dale City and Alexandria.
