News Briefs: Water Main Spews Debris Into Air

A water main break in Janesville, Wis., blew a 20-foot-wide hole in a street and created a 30-foot-high water geyser. The 12-inch water main break knocked out service in a four-block area and spewed debris and water downhill. Police blocked off the street while water utility crews worked to control the break. Mike Fosmoen, Janesville water department crew, said the geyser was likely caused when a large piece of concrete fell against the broken main and partially plugged it, creating pressure.“It’s lucky that happened, or this break could have collapsed almost the whole street,” he says.The freezing/thawing cycle is likely