Calhoun city crews have identified what caused flooding in the Court Street and Harkin Street area following heavy rainfall, according to an update from Calhoun City Councilman Bruce Potts.
Potts said he stopped by the work site Friday after finishing his Adopt-A-Mile cleanup and found city crews working throughout the day to clear the storm drainage system.
According to Potts, workers initially experienced repeated problems with a large jetting truck used to clean culverts and were unable to determine why water was not flowing properly. Crews then entered the culvert by hand, removing debris themselves in what Potts described as a “deep dive” into the storm drain.
As workers cleared the tunnel, they discovered the source of the blockage. Potts said an 8-inch water main runs through the middle of the storm drain, creating a point where debris collected and eventually clogged the entire culvert.
After locating the obstruction, the Calhoun Fire Department’s Station 1 responded to assist. Firefighters used a high-pressure hose to blast the remaining debris from the tunnel, allowing water to flow freely again.
Potts said additional work will be needed next week now that the cause of the problem has been identified. City departments will continue working together to address the issue and help reduce the risk of future flooding in the area.
In his update, Potts praised the city employees involved in the effort, commending their dedication and teamwork. He said the workers demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving the community by tackling the difficult conditions and ensuring the drainage system was reopened.