COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- According to Colorado Springs Utilities, approximately 700 water mains fail every day in the United States. Colorado Springs is no exception.
"We just have these large variations in temperature here and that can certainly create havoc underground, the stuff we don't see," says Steve Berry from Colorado Springs Utilities.
The utilities company is taking a proactive approach to the issue with plans to replace nearly 6 miles of pipe in their coverage area this year. A majority of those pipes range in age from 22 to 35 years. Colorado Springs Utilities understands the inconvenience to customers and residents during repairs, but they say the springs is better off than other cities around the country.
"We lose on average due to main breaks about between 6 and 8% of our water," says Berry. "And in comparison, elsewhere around the country, say the east coast, they can lose 35..40% of their water supply due to main breaks in a given year."
One of the biggest projects on the books is scheduled to take place at Garden of the Gods Road. Work is slated to begin during the first quarter.