Ottawa has had a run of water main breaks since April 2, when crews began switching the water system to the city's new water towers. The new towers sit higher than the old ones, and the jump in pressure broke mains in several places around town. Crews had the first breaks fixed by the next day.

On April 7, KDHE issued a boil water advisory after a line break along K-68 in north Ottawa, between Howell Drive and Nebraska Terrace. The advisory covered businesses on that stretch, and no residential customers were affected.

Utilities Director Scott Snethen said the city has halted the switchover and will bring pressure up gradually so the pipes can adjust. The two towers built in 1952, on 15th Street and on the north side, will eventually be retired.

For details, see KOFO's reports on the first breaks, the boil water advisory and the revised plan.