Water main break on Pala Mesa Road detours traffic

FALLBROOK – Rainbow Water District crews responded to a report of a broken water main Monday night, July 11, at about 9:30 on Pala Mesa Road near Old Highway 395. According to District Superintendent, John Maccarrone, “I was on Old 395 driving to the break and I could see water shooting about 60 feet into the air. I knew it was going to be bad.” Maccarrone indicated the break occurred in a 12-inch steel water main where two joints had been connected, adding "The pipe corroded from the inside out."

Rainbow’s General Manager, Dave Seymour, said, "Many of our pipes are getting to the age that it doesn’t take much to cause a leak. We typically see an increase in the frequency of breaks when the weather heats up and people start using a lot more water. The extra stresses that puts on the pipe is just enough to cause a weak spot to blow out."

The road was damaged badly enough that traffic is being detoured through an adjacent development. RMWD expects to have the road reopened in a day or two, and permanent asphalt repairs will be coordinated with County inspectors.