April 18, 2024

Boil order lifted for Colfax

Colfax Public Works Department crews wait for a lane closure before beginning excavation of the southbound lane of Highway 117 in Colfax to repair a ruptured water main. All Colfax residents were asked to boil water before use due to the break. (Mike Mendenhall)

A boil order was lifted for Colfax on Sunday. Oct. 15 after a major water main break on a main that runs under South Walnut Street/Highway 117 South — which is the main arterial street through town.

Officials said increased pressure from a scheduled water tower cleaning was what likely caused the main to rupture. According to crews, a similar break occurred during water town cleaning in 2014.

The main ruptured around 4:30 a.m. Thursday and Colfax Public Works Department crews spent more than 23 hours repairing the 2-foot crack and repairing the highway with a temporary gravel fill. Public works director Bob Rhone said Monday that he’s seeking bids with contractors and working with the Iowa Department of Transportation to permanently patch and seal the highway.

Rhone said segments of northern portion on the water main, running from Howard Street to the Colfax Cemetery, range in age from 70 to 130 years old and are in need of replacement. Last week’s repairs will come from the city’s water fund but any permanent solution will require action from the Colfax City Council.