Water Main Break Floods Streets Near East Austin, Disrupts Traffic and Local Businesses
It was just after 7 a.m. when residents along East 11th Street near the intersection with Chicon Street in the heart of East Austin first noticed water gushing from the pavement. The usually busy corridor, connecting the vibrant Holly neighborhood to downtown Austin, quickly became a flooded mess. By 8 a.m., city crews had cordoned off the area, but the damage was already mounting—cars stranded, sidewalks submerged, and local businesses forced to close their doors.
The break occurred on a major water main running beneath East 11th Street, a critical artery for both residential neighborhoods like Holly and commercial zones near the Austin Independent School District offices on Tillery Street. Austin Water confirmed the pipe ruptured early Thursday morning, flooding not only East 11th Street but also parts of Tillery Street and Chicon Street. The resulting water surge has caused significant street closures and disrupted water service for hundreds of households from Holly to nearby Govalle.
What Happened
According to Austin Water officials, the 24-inch cast iron pipe that broke was installed in the 1960s and has been flagged for replacement in city infrastructure plans. The failure released thousands of gallons of water, flooding East 11th Street between Chicon and Tillery Streets and impacting side streets including Waller and Rosewood Avenue.
Emergency crews arrived promptly and began emergency repairs, but the extent of the damage means repairs could take several days. Water service interruptions are currently affecting residents between East 7th and East 15th Streets, spanning parts of the Holly and Govalle neighborhoods. The Austin Police Department has rerouted traffic away from the area, causing heavy congestion on nearby Cesar Chavez Street and Interstate 35.
Why This Matters Locally
This is not just a plumbing issue—it’s a major disruption with real consequences for residents, commuters, and local businesses. Flooded streets mean blocked access for emergency vehicles, delays for workers trying to get downtown or to the University of Texas campus, and potential property damage for homes and businesses in the flood zone.
For households, the water outage means an immediate loss of access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. The longer the repair takes, the greater the risk of health hazards and increased stress for families, especially those with young children or elderly members. Businesses along East 11th Street, many of which serve as essential services or local employers, face lost revenue and the costly prospect of damage repairs.
Traffic diversions on Cesar Chavez and Interstate 35 have already led to gridlock during morning rush hour, forcing commuters to add significant time to their daily trips. For residents of Holly and Govalle, this means disrupted routines, missed appointments, and the risk of accidents on unfamiliar detour routes.
If This Happens to You: What to Do Immediately
- Turn off your main water valve if you notice flooding inside your home or if your water service is suddenly interrupted.
- Avoid driving or walking through flooded streets—water depth and road damage can hide hazards.
- Contact Austin Water at 512-974-9300 to report outages or leaks and get updates on repair timelines.
- Check on vulnerable neighbors, especially elderly or disabled residents, who may need assistance securing water or evacuating if flooding worsens.
- Document any property damage with photos and notes for insurance claims.
- Use bottled or boiled water for drinking and cooking until service is confirmed safe.
- Stay updated via local news sources and city alerts about road closures and repair progress.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
If your home or business has sustained water damage, do not attempt major repairs on your own. You need to contact licensed contractors who specialize in water damage restoration. Delaying professional intervention can lead to mold growth and structural issues that will cost far more to fix.
If your property has been affected by flooding or water outages, legal help becomes necessary when dealing with insurance claims or disputes with landlords and service providers. Austin’s legal aid organizations or private attorneys experienced in property and tenant law can guide you through complex processes.
For ongoing issues with city infrastructure or if you face repeated water service problems, professional planners or community advocates can help residents petition city officials for faster infrastructure upgrades. Ignoring these problems only increases the risk of future breaks and disruptions.
Local Context: Why East Austin Residents Must Stay Alert
East Austin is undergoing rapid development, but much of its infrastructure dates back decades. The water main break near East 11th and Chicon is a stark reminder that aging pipes beneath busy streets like Tillery and Rosewood are vulnerable. Residents traveling daily between neighborhoods like Holly and Govalle, especially those using East 11th as a commuter route, face immediate risks of traffic delays and property damage.
The proximity to landmarks such as the Austin Independent School District headquarters on Tillery Street means that school operations and student safety could also be impacted. This event underscores the urgency for city officials to prioritize infrastructure repairs before another break causes even more severe consequences.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
The water main break is centered on East 11th Street between Chicon and Tillery Streets, in the heart of the Holly neighborhood. Nearby streets affected include Waller Street and Rosewood Avenue, which run through the adjacent Govalle neighborhood. This area is a vital connection point for residents commuting to downtown Austin, passing landmarks like the Austin ISD offices and the historic French Legation Museum a few blocks west.
Locals often travel through this corridor to access Interstate 35, Cesar Chavez Street, and the University of Texas campus. The closure and flooding have forced detours onto Cesar Chavez and other side streets, increasing congestion and travel times for thousands of Austin residents who rely on these routes daily.
