The Leak on Water Hill Road

Since February 13 there has been a continuous flow of water coming down Water Hill Road and onto Marilla Drive in Lakeside. The source of the leak is a valve beneath a six-inch-in-diameter manhole-type cover on the side of Water Hill Road. “Dept of Water” is stamped on the cover.

Using a stopwatch, measuring cup, and simple math, I estimated the flow of water to be 402 gallons per day. On February 19, I went to the Lakeside Water District and informed them of the leak. I was told they were aware of the problem and were attempting to fix it.

Nearly two weeks later, on March 2, since the water was still flowing down the street at the same rate, I went back to the Lakeside Water District. I again informed them of the water leak. I was told by the same clerk that they would be sending someone out that day. She also stated they were going to use a “self-sealing putty” on the underwater valve and it would have to “seal itself.”

By the 17th of March, the leak showed some signs of slowing down, but only during daylight hours. Some residents of Marilla speculate the flow of water appears to be less due to evaporation. (During the night, the flow of water seems heavier.)

Today is the 26th of March, and the water is still flowing down Water Hill and onto Marilla Drive.