Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, a 10-inch water main broke around the Kamper Park area. City crews have identified the immediate impact area and are working with the contractor to repair the break.

Because of the location of this specific line, many homes – even those not in close proximity to the line – may experience brown water, low pressure or subsequent water leaks.

Crews are working to repair the initial break and will begin service calls to additional occurrences of brown water, low pressure or subsequent leaks as they are reported.

“There is a lot of infrastructure work going on in and around Kamper Park – between new sidewalks, restoration of the pond after the December flash flood, the water park and more. While we have not verified a specific cause to this break, we believe it could be related to this level of construction,” said Alan Howe, director of Water & Sewer. “We know this is an inconvenience and our crews are working to repair and resolve issues where necessary.”

At this time, a boil water notice is not necessary. However, should services need to be cut off for repair to specific lines – a self-imposed notice may be put in place.

“I commend our water and sewer staff and contractors for responding swiftly this morning,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “This is an all-hands-on-deck response, and we ask for patience as they work to resolve the issues. If a resident experiences elongated periods of low water pressure, brown water or a water leak, they can call our office at 601-545-4501 or the Action Line at 601-545-4500, and our staff will work with our water and sewer crews to get the calls dispatched and put into a work queue.”

This is an ongoing response, and additional updates will be shared as needed.

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