For the second time in a week, Delavan city crews were called to repair a water main break—this time on Locust Street just south of the intersection with 2nd Street. The rupture, which occurred Friday afternoon at a junction where a straight run of cast iron pipe connected with two 45-degree fittings, forced the city to shut off water service along Locust between 4th and 2nd Streets.

Crews worked into the evening and successfully completed repairs by 7:30 p.m. Friday, restoring water flow to affected residents. However, a boil order remains in effect for the impacted area until further notice. City officials stated that water samples must undergo testing to confirm safety before lifting the advisory.

In addition to the water shutoff, Locust Street was closed between 3rd and 2nd Streets to allow crews to access the damaged line. This latest break follows an earlier incident earlier in the week on Linden Street, just north of 2nd, adding strain to city resources and infrastructure.

Public Works Superintendent Nathan Barnett identified the cause of both breaks as aging infrastructure, noting that many of the city’s older cast iron lines are increasingly vulnerable to stress and shifting conditions. “We’re seeing the effects of decades-old pipework meeting modern demands,” Barnett said. “It’s a reminder of the importance of long-term investment in our water systems.”

Residents under the boil order are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. The city will issue an update once water quality tests confirm the system is safe.