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Freezing temperatures didn’t stop crews in Dawson City, Yukon, working through Friday night to repair two water main breaks that brought the community to a standstill this past week.
On Wednesday, a water main break shut down Robert Service School. The following day, a second break flooded the Westminster Hotel, home of beloved and iconic Dawson bar, The Pit. A number of properties connected to the same water line also began to experience frozen pipes.
In an update posted Sunday afternoon, city officials said about 80 homes still had frozen lines.
Crews and contractors with the city, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation and the Yukon government Emergency Management Organization are working to fix broken and frozen pipes and ensure access to water on properties across the city.
“Work crews are working their way north on 4th from King and then north on 3rd from King to thaw out the lines,” said a statement from the city on social media. “This will take some time as each property has unique challenges.”
Extensive groundwork will be needed on the road near the Westminster Hotel. The city said it has brought in additional crew and equipment to carry out the work.
In an update posted Saturday night, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government said the water main break on 4th Avenue had been repaired and the break on 3rd isolated.
Weather conditions of -40 C posed significant challenges to infrastructure, crews and equipment, the Nation said.
The First Nation said 13 city blocks in the affected area have units with frozen water or sewer lines.
A boil water order is in effect for restaurants, daycares, community centres, hospitals and schools. Meanwhile, a boil water advisory remains in effect for the rest of the city.
“The advisory affects water that comes from the city water plant,” said the city’s statement on social media. “We are confident there is very little risk of contamination […] but out of an abundance of caution the advisory remains in effect.”
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in is urging anyone whose home has frozen pipes not to turn off bleeder valves and to turn off water and power to their hot water tanks.
In a notice posted to social media, the First Nation said the recreation centre will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to anyone who needs access to water, bathrooms and showers. Water jugs can also be filled at the Dawson Water Plant and Rock Creek.
Residents have been asked to be careful when walking in the affected areas because of ice buildup from flooding. They’ve also been asked to conserve water where possible.
The First Nation says weather is expected to improve but there is a chance of further pipe breaks with temperature fluctuations.
