KTLA

Water Main Break Causes Flooding in Echo Park

A water main break early Tuesday morning in Echo Park caused damage, street closures, and multiple businesses and residents to lose water access.

A water main broke in Echo Park near Sunset Boulevard and North Alvarado Street on Aug. 26, 2014. (Credit: KTLA)

An 8-inch cast iron pipe broke near Sunset Boulevard and North Alvarado Street (map), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power spokeswoman Gail Harris said.

The DWP was contacted about the break around 3 a.m. and the water was turned off by 4:30 a.m., she said.

About 10 to 15 customers, including businesses and multiresidential complexes, were expected to be without water until around 2 p.m., Harris said.

Water service was restored just before 2:30 p.m., and repairs were expected to be complete by 4:45 p.m., according toAlbert Rodriguez, a DWP spokesman.

At least four businesses appeared to have damage.

Four to 5 inches of water covered the floor of a discount store, and owner Ilil Namkung feared items on shelves near the floor may be damaged.

“Most things on the bottom floor, the bottom side, is so wet,” Namkung said.

Two lanes on North Alvarado Street were closed near Sunset Boulevard.