Contractor Hits Main Near Bryn Mawr and Courtland Avenues, Causing Water to Soar on Chicago’s NW Side

CHICAGO (WLS) — What looked like a geyser appeared on Chicago’s Northwest Side, after a contractor hit a water main Monday afternoon.

The issues began in a residential area near Bryn Mawr Avenue and Courtland Avenue around 1:30 p.m.

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It turned into a kind of neighborhood spectacle. The Villagomez family was among those watching.

“When I took a look, all I saw was this unexpected waterfall, with water shooting upwards from an unknown source,” said Angela Villagomez, a nearby resident.

It took the city’s water department approximately seven hours to turn off the water, finally succeeding around 8:30 p.m. Until then, locals got an up-close view of the unusual spectacle.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s very strange to see a geyser in our front lawn,” said Claudia Villagomez, who lives nearby.

With the situation ongoing for hours, there was concern about the potential for flooding in the neighborhood as water pooled in the streets.

“We’ve been monitoring the basement, ensuring it remains dry. So far, so good. I’ve chatted with a few neighbors around here, and they’re also fine for now,” Claudia mentioned.

Residents watched as water shot some 50 feet into the air, from a broken water main.

The city’s water department reported a contractor accidentally hit a 48-inch water main, which ABC7 has identified as servicing the western suburbs. Officials assured that customers did not experience any water outages.

“I believe they’re trying to manage the water issue, but it seems like it’s taking them quite some time to resolve it,” Angela expressed.

Streets were closed around the water main break, but neighbors closest to that water main told ABC7 their basements are dry on Monday night.