Water Main Break Sends 120,000 Gallons Rushing Through Peninsula Neighborhood [VIDEO]

BELMONT, CA — Four Belmont homes were temporarily evacuated on Friday after approximately 120,000 gallons of water rushed out of a nearby water main break, officials report. The water flowed for an estimated two hours before it was stopped.

According to Belmont Police Capt. Patrick Halleran, the incident was first reported at 3:45 a.m. in the 2800 block of San Juan Boulevard, however responding crews soon learned that the break was elsewhere.

"Upon arrival, first responders quickly found that the water was coming from the 2600 block of Monserat Ave, which is up hill from the San Juan address," Halleran said in a news release. "Emergency crews from the Mid-Peninsula Water District were called out and arrived within an hour."

"It was determined that the water was coming from cast iron 6 inch main, which had failed," Halleran added. "The pipe had been installed in the 1950's and connected the water main on Monserat to another water main on San Juan Blvd."

Emergency personnel advised the residents in two area homes — one on San Juan Boulevard and one on Monte Cresta Avenue — to evacuate, and the American Red Cross was called to assist, Halleran said. By 6 a.m., the water flow was shut off.

"As of this press release, crews from the Mid-Peninsula Water District and City of Belmont are assessing the damage and making repairs," he said. "While water service to approximately 20 homes on Monserat was briefly interrupted, normal water service has been restored."

Structural engineers, geotechnical engineers and arborists are all working to asses the damage in the area.

Images and video courtesy of the City of Belmont