Hydrant near Whichers Mill Road showing the undermining that would have led to a trench across the road. The water was shut off just in time to prevent it from going through the pavement.
Photo: Sanford Water District
By Kendra Williams
Residents in parts of South Sanford experienced discolored water and reduced pressure early Sunday after vandals opened four fire hydrants, sending thousands of gallons of water surging through the system.
The hydrants were opened just after midnight along Kennebunk Road (Route 99), New Dam Road, and Grammar Road, according to Sanford Water District Superintendent David Parent. The incident triggered multiple fire protection alarms and caused a significant drop in system pressure. At an estimated 5,000 gallons per minute, roughly 240,000 gallons of water was lost.
The sudden surge also stirred up sediment in the water lines, leading to reports of brown, yellow, and rust-colored water in homes. While the discoloration was noticeable, officials said the water remained safe to use, and most issues cleared as the system stabilized.
District crews, working with the Sanford Fire Department, responded quickly and were able to limit damage to both the water system and nearby roadways. Parent said that volume of water posed a serious safety risk, as it can erode pavement and create dangerous conditions.
“They got to it just as it had begun to form a trench,” Parent said. “A family driving at night could have hit a one-foot-deep washout and been seriously hurt.”
The incident comes just weeks before the district’s planned spring flushing program, a controlled process designed to remove sediment from water lines. Officials noted that similar discoloration can occur during high-flow events.
The Sanford Water District is asking anyone with information about the vandalism to contact the Sanford Police Department at 207-324-3644. Residents with questions can reach the district at customerservice@sanfordwater.org.
The post Vandalism Causes Water Disruption in South Sanford appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
