Water leak wreaks havoc
Roadway buckles, water service cut

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — City crews are working today to repair two waterline ruptures along the 1100 and 1200 Blocks of East Highway 66.

The first leak was reported at about 4 a.m. near the intersection of Miyamura and Highway 66 and the second was reported at about 9:45 a.m. only feet away from the first. Crews have subsequently shut down water service along the 1100 and 1200 Blocks of East Highway 66 from the Redwood Lodge to Panz Allegra restaurant while they work to determine the cause of the problem, Ernest Thompson, water and waste-water superintendent for Gallup Joint Utilities, said at the scene.

Thompson said the Highway 66 leak is no ordinary rupture because it coincides with Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo, which brings a number of tourists to the area.

"This is pretty major for us," he said. " ... It's bad timing all around."

Thompson said the affected waterline is the city's major line that serves the businesses along Historic Route 66. He expects water service to be down for the remainder of the day. No major flooding was reported. Thompson said this time of year is especially difficult for city crews because of the intense heat. The second rupture caused the pavement to buckle and will require extensive repair; however, crews are on scene trying to diagnose the issue.

Nikki Arriole, an employee of Furniture Warehouse, said the business' employees were told about the leak when they went outside to inquire about the commotion. The business is currently without water.

"It's not huge for us at this point," Arriole said.

However, the leak will most likely be an issue for the restaurants in the area that rely on water to serve their customers.