Extreme cold temperatures are leading to widespread water issues across the St. Louis region, with multiple water main breaks reported and homeowners facing costly damage from burst pipes.
Missouri American Water crews responded to at least eight water main breaks overnight Wednesday in areas including University City, Webster Groves and south St. Louis. One break in Webster Groves caused water to freeze across nearby streets, briefly shutting down an intersection near South Brentwood Boulevard before reopening later in the morning. Additional breaks led to road closures in south St. Louis as crews worked to make repairs.
Residents in affected areas may experience low water pressure, discolored water or temporary water outages, according to Missouri American Water.
The frigid conditions are also impacting homes. In Florissant, a family woke up to flooding after pipes burst in their house, sending water through multiple rooms. “I woke up to water,” homeowner Tyler Kenney said, describing the damage left behind. Restoration crews say they expect an increase in calls as frozen pipes begin to thaw, with some repairs reaching thousands of dollars.
Experts recommend insulating pipes, keeping thermostats set above 55 degrees and allowing faucets to drip slightly to reduce the risk of freezing as the cold snap continues.