Water Main Break Floods Streets Near East Austin’s Rosewood Neighborhood
It was just after 7:30 a.m. on a Tuesday when residents near the intersection of East 11th Street and Chicon Street woke to an unexpected and dangerous sight. A gushing torrent of water flooded the streets, streaming down sidewalks and pooling into yards around the Rosewood neighborhood. Commuters trapped in traffic on nearby Airport Boulevard watched as water surged across lanes, forcing abrupt detours and snarling morning rush hour.
What Happened
A major water main break occurred on East 11th Street just east of Chicon Street, flooding the surrounding area and causing significant disruption to the Rosewood neighborhood and adjacent Holly neighborhood. Austin Water confirmed the break affected a 24-inch main, leading to an estimated loss of thousands of gallons per minute. Crews have shut off water service to several blocks between Airport Boulevard and Manor Road while emergency repairs are underway.
City officials report that the break caused immediate road closures on East 11th Street from Chicon to Comal Street and partial lane closures on Airport Boulevard near the Rosewood Recreation Center. The Austin Fire Department responded to multiple calls about flooded basements and compromised electrical panels in homes along East 11th and Rosewood Avenue. The nearby Austin Independent School District facility on Rosewood Avenue was briefly evacuated as a precaution.
Why This Matters Locally
This break isn’t just a headache for drivers. For residents in Rosewood and Holly, the flooding threatens property damage, safety hazards, and extended water outages. Basements and ground floors of homes along East 11th Street and Comal Street are at risk of water intrusion, which can lead to costly repairs, mold growth, and long-term health concerns.
Traffic delays on Airport Boulevard and East 11th Street are expected to last through the day, impacting thousands of commuters who rely on these routes to get to downtown, the University of Texas campus, and the East Austin business district. Local businesses along these corridors are already reporting lost revenue due to closures and reduced foot traffic.
Water service interruptions will affect hundreds of households, forcing residents to find alternative water sources and creating urgent demand for bottled water and sanitation solutions. For families with young children, elderly members, or those with medical needs, this disruption adds critical stress and potential health risks.
If This Happens to You: What to Do Immediately
- Turn off your main water valve immediately to prevent further flooding inside your home.
- Shut off electricity in flooded areas to avoid electrocution or fire hazards.
- Move valuable possessions and electronics to higher ground or another room.
- Document all damage with photos and videos for insurance and legal purposes.
- Contact Austin Water to report your address and confirm water outage status.
- Use bottled water for drinking and hygiene until water service is restored and declared safe.
- Notify your landlord or property manager if you rent, and inform neighbors if you can safely do so.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
If your home has sustained flooding, professional intervention is critical. You need to contact licensed water damage restoration contractors immediately to remove water, dry out affected areas, and prevent mold growth. Attempting DIY cleanup with standing water risks structural damage and health hazards.
Electrical systems compromised by water require licensed electricians to inspect and repair. Do not turn power back on until a professional has cleared your home.
If your property has suffered significant damage, or if you face disputes with landlords or insurance providers, consulting a local attorney experienced in property and tenant law becomes necessary. Legal help is essential to protect your rights and ensure proper compensation for repairs and losses.
For those facing longer-term housing displacement, city planners and social services can assist with temporary housing options and recovery resources, but only if you reach out promptly.
Local Context
East 11th Street and Airport Boulevard are major arteries connecting the Rosewood and Holly neighborhoods with downtown Austin and the University of Texas. Thousands of residents, students, and workers pass through this area daily. The recent water main break exposes vulnerabilities in Austin’s aging infrastructure and highlights the urgent need for residents to prepare for sudden emergencies that can disrupt daily life and threaten property.
For those living in East Austin, this incident is a stark reminder: flooding and utility failures can happen without warning, and knowing how to respond quickly can save your home and your family from serious harm.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
The break is centered on East 11th Street between Chicon Street and Comal Street, adjacent to the Rosewood neighborhood and just south of the Holly neighborhood. Nearby landmarks include the Rosewood Recreation Center and the Austin Independent School District facility on Rosewood Avenue. Airport Boulevard, a key commuter route, runs parallel just west of the break site, funneling traffic between East Austin and downtown.
Residents from nearby neighborhoods such as Hancock and Govalle often travel through this corridor, making the disruption a widespread concern beyond just Rosewood and Holly. With Austin’s rapid growth, infrastructure failures here can ripple across multiple communities, affecting daily commutes, emergency access, and essential services.
