Water main floods streets

Photo: Contributed - Skylar Noe-Vack

Update -- 2:30 p.m.

The City of Penticton says the break was reported at 10 a.m. and crews were able to stop the flow of water less than two hours later.

"The volume of water indicates this is a larger water main located in an area that required more valve shut-offs to stop the flow," said Simone Blais, a communications officer with the city.

"Crews successfully stopped the water flow at 11:40 a.m. and flooding was contained as much as possible. Only one building has been impacted at this point."

Water has now been turned off to properties in the 300 block of Main Street to allow for emergency repair work. 

Traffic is restricted along Main and Wade Streets and drivers are asked to detour around the area until work can be completed.

The cause of the break is unknown at this time, but is being investigated.

 A water main break in Penticton has caused flooding in the downtown core.

The large pipe, roughly 18 inches wide, broke Sunday morning at Main Street and Wade Avenue.

It sent water gushing through the intersection and towards other arterial roads.

City works staff rushed to the scene but it’s unknown how long the water had been flowing.

Parts of Main Street were closed to traffic following the incident, which happened at about 10 a.m.

Some businesses in the area are believed to have been affected by at least some water damage.

We’ll have more information when it becomes available.

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Photo: Contributed - Skylar Noe-Vack