Vehicle hits fire hydrant causing water main break in Merkel

The incident occurred on April 11 at the 600 Block of El Paso Street.

According to the Merkel Police Department, the city’s water, public works, and police department all responded to the area to work on the damage. Officials from the water department worked into the early morning hours to resolve the leak; however, the equipment and materials needed were not immediately available.

The leak was worked on again this morning on April 12, and it was determined that the line connecting the hydrant also fractured a 6″ main. The main line supplying Merkel’s water from Abilene will need to be shut off so that the water department can begin immediate repairs.

The estimated time of water being unavailable to customers is not known at this time.

Police say that the 600 block of El Paso to South Access Road is still closed and are asking to avoid this area due to heavy utility work.

The City of Merkel will update as soon as information becomes available. Due to the disrupted main supply, once water is restored, the City of Merkel will advise of a ‘Boil Water Notice’.

For updated information, visit the Merkel Connect App, the City of Merkel’s social media, and local media outlets.