The difference in temperature between the main and the cold water often causes a main to rupture. Water main breaks are more likely to occur in the central and western sections of the city that are served by the Holly Water Treatment Plant. The plant draws water from Lake Worth, which is shallow and changes temperature rapidly. When air temperatures remain below freezing long enough to chill the water supply, it is likely that water mains will break. The more rapidly the water temperature drops, the more likely the main breaks will be triggered.
Breaks are more common in older, cast-iron pipes.
Although cast-iron is no longer installed, a large number of these pipes remain in the system. Newer ductile iron and PVC pipes represent about half of the water pipes in the water system and are less likely to break. Conservation of water is important when a large number of mains break. Water pressure may be low because of lost water, and it may be difficult to maintain water pressures in certain areas if the problem becomes severe. Give Certificates, Not Animals Giving a dog or cat as a Christmas gift is never a good idea, but giving a pet gift certificate is.