This is a developing situation and information may change. We’ll update this article as more information becomes available. The most recent information will be updated at the top of the article, with the earlier reports below.
Update 8:30 p.m.: The water mains have been repaired and water should have been restored to all customers as of around 7:45 p.m., according to the latest update from the city.
Update 4:30 p.m.: There is still no estimated time of restoration of water services, according to an update from the City of Willits on Facebook shortly before 4 p.m. A number of businesses and local agencies have announced closures on social media due to the water main breaks. The update from the city states:
Due to the severity of the water main damage, residents will continue to experience low water pressure or no water at this time. It is undetermined when the repairs will be completed and we will continue to update this page.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.
Willits Community – Please be advised – Road Closure at Baechtel Rd, E. Hill & Shell Lane.
City Crews are onsite repairing a water main break which may cause residents to experience low water pressure.
We appreciate your patience as we respond to these severe breaks.
The City will continue to keep you updated throughout the day.
Update 1:45 p.m.: A number of businesses, as well as the Mendocino County Cannabis Department, have announced a temporary closure due to the water issues in Willits; City Councilmember Kanne has stated that the hospital is not impacted.
WILLITS, 6/22/23 — At least one main water line has broken in Willits this morning on Baechtel Road, resulting in low water pressure or no water for many residents and road closures at Baechtel Road, East Hill Road and Shell Lane. There is also a closure on Hawthorne Lane.
The City of Willits has posted on Facebook noting that repairs are underway, and asking residents to avoid the area. The posts note that there are actually two main line breaks that require repairs. The city will be posting additional updates here.
In an earlier post, the city had estimated that repairs had been expected to be completed by 3 p.m.; however, a more recent post states that there is no current time for restoration.
City Councilmember Greta Kanne wrote on her Facebook page, “A water mainline break on Baechtel Rd this morning means 99% of town will have low water pressure and even no water in some areas. Public works crews are on it and city staff is trying to get notices out. Baechtel Rd is closed at Shell Lane and East Hill. Please avoid the area if you can. More updates to follow.”
