Repairs to Calle Chavez will cost the City of Española an estimated $20,000 to $28,000, according to Streets Department Director Anthony “Hawk” Trujillo. The street was flooded March 26 after a 10-foot section of pipe split during hydrant testing.
Calle Chavez is the second street damaged during hydrant testing. Hunter Street was damaged March 8 and its repairs cost the City of Española $27,000.
Interim City Manager Joe Duran said he believes both split pipes were caused by a water hammer, which occurs when a line is closed too quickly on one end. Firefighters have been working since March to test all the city’s hydrants.
Trujillo said his department is waiting for approval from the Department of Transportation to make the repairs. A DOT grant will cover 75 percent of the cost, he said. Once the project is approved by DOT, the City Council will also have to approve the road for repairs.
Hydrant testing is supposed to happen every year and the results contribute to the city’s ISO rating, which can affect insurance costs in Española.
Now firefighters are slowing down the testing process, which they originally estimated could be completed by now.
Lt. Ron Padilla said testing will be limited to 10 hydrants per shift. He expects all hydrants will be inspected by the end of the summer, he said.