NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Several Cane Ridge residents are asking questions after water flowed into a ditch from a pipe sticking out of the ground for several days.
The pipe, which is located on Old Hickory Boulevard, just south of Bell Road, was installed by the Metro Water Services last week.
Since its installation, water had been flowing from the pipe constantly since last Wednesday.
"I have been coming by here for a week and a half and it has been on every day no matter what time of day you come by," motorist and nearby resident Mike Bowlen told Nashville's News 2.
He added, "I am just wondering why it is running."
In an effort to get answers, Nashville's News 2 contacted Metro Water Services.
According to the utility company, the flowing pipe is what they refer to as a blow off valve.
"A blow off is actually a location that we allow water to run and basically flush through a pipe," Sonia Harvat with Metro Water Services explained.
Metro Water Services said they repaired a water main break in the area of the free flowing water on July 20.
Officials said after a repair they ensure the water has the correct chlorine levels and the line is free from contamination by letting the water flush at blow off valve or fire hydrant.
"We've let it flow longer. It is a smaller pipe, it is not as big as say a fire hydrant would be so it doesn't pull and flush as quickly, so to be safe, we are monitoring it," Harvat said.
She added, "We are not in any kind of water restrictions currently. We are very fortunate in Nashville that we don't have water restrictions. The cost of the water that is being wasted onto the ground it very, very minimal compared to people's health and safety in drinking water that's not suitable for drinking."
Following speaking with employees at Metro Water Services, the water was turned off late Tuesday morning.
Officials said they will continue to work in the area and will soon install a fire hydrant.
Anyone who sees a leak or any other problems is urged to contact Metro Water Services at 615-862-4000.
