Note: This News Alert was issued at 9:45am on 11/6/25. Technical issues with the website show an incorrect time. We are working to resolve this issue. 

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The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is providing an update on the 16-inch water main break that occurred on University Parkway on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Incident Overview
A 16-inch water main ruptured, causing significant water flow into the roadway and resulting in localized flooding along University Parkway. ECUA crews responded immediately. The break is suspected to be caused by pipe fatigue.

The break was isolated, and repairs were completed at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Roadway flooding has cleared, and the roadway is open to traffic.

Customer Impact

• Three customers directly affected by the main break experienced a complete loss of pressure and received a Precautionary Boil Water Notice (PBWN) via door hanger.
• Other surrounding customers may have experienced temporary low water pressure and/or discolored water during and after the repair.
• These customers are not under a boil water notice because system pressure was maintained at all times outside of the immediate break area.

Why Water May Appear Discolored
A main of this size moving large volumes of water can disturb naturally occurring sediment and iron deposits inside water pipes. When the main ruptured, water rushed toward the break, and after isolation, the flow reversed to normal—disturbing sediment for miles throughout the surrounding system.

This may cause temporarily discolored or “dirty-looking” water. Although it may not look appealing, this water is still safe to use, and there is no health risk since pressure was never fully lost in the broader distribution system.

What ECUA Is Doing

• Crews are performing extensive system flushing in affected neighborhoods to clear the water lines.
• Water quality is being monitored.
• The PBWN remains in place only for the three directly affected customers until testing confirms the water meets all regulatory standards.

Important Notes for Customers

• If you are experiencing discolored water, run cold water from an outside spigot or bathtub until it clears.
• Only the three customers who received a door hanger are under a Precautionary Boil Water Notice.
• There is no need for customers outside that group to boil water.
• Full water pressure has been restored systemwide.

Timeline of Key Events

November 5th:

• 6:15 p.m.: First customer complaint received. crews arrived to the scene.
• 6:00–6:30 p.m. (approx.): Main break reported to media; flooding observed.
• 8:00 p.m. (approx.): Unplanned outage notice issued internally.
• 3:30 a.m. Repair completed, system pressure normalized.
• Morning: Roadway cleared, no further flooding.