Selma state of emergency continues as burst pipes threaten water supply
The City of Selma has been shutting off main water lines throughout the city to to isolate major leaks as water tables continued to fall after last weekend's hard freeze.
"This means your water may be turned off at any time and I cannot give you a time in which it will be restored," Mayor James Perkins Jr. said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Perkins declared a local State of Emergency on Sunday as leaks and burst pipes put the city at risk of running out of water. He cautioned that, if precautions were not taken, that the city could run out of water.
"THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!" he wrote. "We must stop as many leaks as possible or we will run out of water."
But more leaks appeared as pipes began to thaw.
Perkins asked residents to check underneath their homes for busted pipes. If they find a busted pipe, they need to shut off water at the meter. Residents should catch water for needs such as flushing, washing and drinking.
"If your building has a basement, especially in the downtown area be sure to check the basement area," he said. "Check your sprinkler systems. Check your churches and walk your block. Look for puddles that should not be there. Listen for running water. Check ditch lines to see if there is more water than usual flowing through the ditch."
Business owners and landlords should do the same with their properties. Perkins said that if the city finds water leaking out of a business, they will shut off their water, but they cannot check every property.
"Also, when we restore your water you will probably experience some brown water but resist the urge to flush your lines because that too will make things worse," he wrote. "I hope you are getting the picture."
Residents who do not know how to shut off water at the meter should call the Selma Water and Sewer Board emergency line at 334-874-8857 or 334-349-1315. Anyone who sees water on the street anywhere should call in and report it.
Jemma Stephenson is the children and education reporter for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at jstephenson@gannett.com or 334-261-1569.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Selma could run out of water, cautions mayor on Facebook post
