UPDATE: Rexburg crews continue to work on repairing the damaged sewer line

UPDATE

As of 4:20 p.m. Thursday, Rexburg city spokesman Scott Johnson said crews are continuing to work to repair the damaged sewer line. He said they are currently trying to reach the site of the line break, but the water flow is working against them.

“We are currently asking residents to stop all activities that send water down the drain. This includes indoor and outdoor use of water that would go down the drain,” Johnson said.

He stressed that the water was not contaminated and was safe to drink.

Crews will work through the night. There is no estimated time yet when the line will be repaired.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and help as our teams work on the necessary repairs,” Johnson said.

ORIGINAL STORY (published August 22 at 10:35am)

REXBURG – The City of Rexburg is asking residents to limit their indoor water use after a key city sewer line was struck and damaged.

The incident occurred after 8 a.m. Thursday, according to Public Works Director Keith Davidson. An alert was sent to residents’ phones and posted online, calling the problem an “emergency situation.”

He said the damage was caused by the contractor working on the central interchange on US Highway 20 at Exit 333.

“I ask everyone in Rexburg, Sugar City and Teton to limit their water usage. That would help tremendously,” Davidson said.

This includes the restricted use of toilets, sinks, washing facilities, showers and car washes until further notice.

The emergency services are on site and are dealing with the situation. There is currently no estimate as to when everything will be resolved.

Rexburg city spokesman Scott Johnson said the water was not contaminated, adding that no injuries had been reported.

For safety reasons, the Rexburg Rapids and the water playground in Porter Park will remain closed for the rest of the day, the city said.