Jazmin Li
Water main breaks at airports can cause significant disruptions to airport operations and passenger experiences. In 2018, a ruptured pipe at New York's JFK International Airport, prompted the evacuation of a flooded terminal, causing cancellations and delays. Similarly, a water main break at the Des Moines International Airport in 2025 disrupted services, rendering food, beverage, and restroom facilities temporarily unavailable on certain concourses. The impact of water main breaks is not limited to flight operations; a worst-case scenario occurred in 2019 when a crucial water main broke beneath the taxiway of Dane County Regional Airport, requiring innovative engineering solutions to fix the break and strengthen the pipe. These incidents highlight the challenges and consequences of water main breaks at airports, underscoring the need for proactive maintenance and effective emergency responses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 7th January 2018 |
| Time | 2 p.m. ET |
| Location | John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York |
| Terminal | 4 |
| Cause | Weather-related (frozen pipes) |
| Impact | Delays, cancellations, evacuations, flooded baggage area, limited restrooms, food and beverage services |
| Repair Strategy | Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology |
| Repair Timeline | Started in January 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
- Water main breaks at JFK Airport, New York, causing terminal evacuations and flight delays
- The use of CIPP technology to fix water main breaks
- The impact of water main breaks on airport facilities and services
- The challenges of repairing a water main break under an airport taxiway
- The role of airport engineers in addressing water main breaks
Water main breaks at JFK Airport, New York, causing terminal evacuations and flight delays
On January 7, 2018, a water main break at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City caused the evacuation of Terminal 4 and significant delays and cancellations of flights. The break occurred around 2 p.m. ET, and television footage showed water gushing down the walls and flooding a baggage area in the terminal. Power to the affected areas was temporarily shut off for safety reasons, and additional staff and bus operations were deployed to assist travellers.
The water main break came just as the airport was trying to resume normal operations after a major snowstorm that had caused dozens of cancellations and delays over the weekend. The storm, which was the first major snowstorm of 2018 in New York City, had left thousands of travellers stranded and caused hundreds of flight cancellations and diversions worldwide. The lingering cold and a series of missteps contributed to the logjam at JFK, affecting passengers as far away as Beijing.
The Port Authority Executive Director, Rick Cotton, called the situation "unacceptable" and launched an investigation into the incident. He stated that the water pipe break appeared to be weather-related but wanted to determine why an internal pipe was not weather-protected and if any other factors contributed to the disruption. Cotton also acknowledged the ""cascading failures"" that occurred due to airlines and terminal operators' inability to move aircraft out of gates at the predicted rate.
The feeder pipe that broke fed the sprinkler system in Terminal 4, and the flooding reached about three inches in some areas. The break was attributed to the recent cold snap, as the pipe had frozen. However, it was unclear why the pipe was not weather-protected. This incident highlights the challenges of managing critical infrastructure during extreme weather events and the potential impact on travellers when disruptions occur.
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The use of CIPP technology to fix water main breaks
Water main breaks can cause serious issues, especially when they occur at an airport. In 2018, a burst water main at JFK International Airport in New York caused the evacuation of a flooded terminal, resulting in delays and cancellations at one of the country's busiest airports. In another incident, a water main break beneath Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, posed a significant challenge as it was a critical connection between the western and eastern parts of the city.
In recent years, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology has emerged as an innovative solution for fixing water main breaks. CIPP is a trenchless technology that builds a new, stronger pipe inside the old one, extending the life of the water main by 80 to 100 years. This method was successfully employed by engineers at Madison Water Utility to repair the break beneath the runway and taxiways, demonstrating its effectiveness in complex projects.
The CIPP process involves several steps to ensure a successful repair. Firstly, high-pressure water and mechanical pigs are used to remove any tuberculation and restore the main to its original diameter without damaging the services. A video inspection, laser analysis, and GPS/GRYO profile are then performed to gather detailed information about the water main, ensuring an accurate fit for the CIPP liner.
Service line plugs are robotically inserted into each residential service connection, followed by the installation of the CIPP liner. The liner is pulled into place through rollers in the access pits, and an epoxy resin is injected between its layers. The liner is then capped off and pressurized with hot water, forcing the epoxy into any voids or cracks while curing it. This process strengthens the bond and ensures no water infiltration behind the liner.
CIPP technology offers several advantages over traditional methods. It is less disruptive to the surrounding area, minimizing the impact on residents and businesses. Additionally, it can be more economical and extend the life of water mains, making it a cost-effective solution for water utility owners facing aging infrastructure challenges. However, it is important to address safety concerns, especially regarding styrene contamination and proper waste disposal, to ensure the method's effectiveness and protect public health.
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The impact of water main breaks on airport facilities and services
Water main breaks can have a significant impact on airport facilities and services, leading to disruptions, cancellations, and delays. The break in the water main can cause flooding in the airport terminals, affecting passenger areas, baggage claim, and other critical operations. In the event of a water main break, crews must shut off the water supply to prevent further damage and ensure passenger safety. However, this can be challenging, especially if the water main is located in a crucial area, as was the case at Dane County Regional Airport, where the water main could not be abandoned due to its strategic connection between the eastern and western parts of north Madison.
When a water main break occurs at an airport, finding a solution to fix the break can be complex and time-consuming. Engineers may need to employ innovative technologies, such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology, to repair the break and strengthen the water main. This technology involves relining the existing pipe, creating a new and stronger pipe inside the old one, extending its life by up to 100 years. However, the process of digging pits and accessing the water main for repairs can be challenging, especially when working around active runways and taxiways.
The impact of water main breaks on airports highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and investment in critical infrastructure. Airports must work closely with utility companies and engineers to ensure that water mains are regularly inspected, maintained, and upgraded to prevent breaks and minimize the risk of disruptions. Additionally, the implementation of efficient in-house water treatment and filtration systems can help airports maintain water quality and reduce the impact of potential water main breaks.
Water main breaks at airports can have significant operational, logistical, and economic consequences. The disruption to water supply and the subsequent repairs can impact an airport's ability to facilitate flights, affecting not only the airport's operations but also the travel plans of thousands of passengers. Therefore, it is crucial for airports to prioritize the maintenance and resilience of their water infrastructure to mitigate the potential impact of water main breaks on their facilities and services.
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The challenges of repairing a water main break under an airport taxiway
Repairing a water main break under an airport taxiway comes with a unique set of challenges. Firstly, the location of the break is crucial; if it occurs directly beneath the taxiway, as in the case of Dane County Regional Airport, repairing it becomes extremely complex. The taxiway's concrete is approximately 18 inches thick, which is two to three times thicker than a typical interstate, and it has a rock base of three to four feet. This poses a significant obstacle to accessing the broken water pipe.
The usual method of repairing a water main break involves digging down to reach the damaged section. However, this approach was not feasible in the case of the Dane County Regional Airport taxiway due to the potential disruptions to both commercial and military air traffic. An alternative solution had to be devised to avoid a lengthy construction project that would impact the primary runway.
Engineers at Madison Water Utility opted for a novel approach by employing cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology. This innovative technique allowed them to create a new and stronger pipe within the existing damaged pipe. The CIPP process extends the lifespan of the water main by 80 to 100 years, ensuring long-term durability.
Despite finding a creative solution, the repair work faced considerable challenges. The project commenced in January 2019, after delays caused by heavy rains. The groundwater table posed a significant hurdle, with the water main being only 10 feet deep, and groundwater encountered at 8 feet. The soil conditions further complicated matters, with "soupy sand" constantly seeping into the excavation area. To address this issue, a foot-thick layer of clear stone rock was placed at the bottom to stabilize the work area.
Throughout the repair process, the airport remained operational, with flights taking off and landing. The collaboration between Madison Water Utility and the airport staff was crucial in overcoming these challenges, ensuring that the project did not disrupt the airport's primary runway or cause significant interruptions to air traffic.
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The role of airport engineers in addressing water main breaks
Airport engineers play a crucial role in addressing water main breaks, ensuring uninterrupted airport operations and maintaining water supply to the surrounding areas. Their expertise and quick decision-making are vital in managing such emergency situations.
When a water main break occurs at an airport, the immediate priority is to shut off the water to prevent further damage and flooding. However, the real challenge lies in repairing the break without disrupting critical airport infrastructure and operations. In the case of Dane County Regional Airport, the break occurred in a crucial water main supplying water to a significant portion of Madison, Wisconsin.
Airport engineers, such as Michael Kirchner, work closely with water utility companies to devise innovative solutions. In the Madison Water Utility case, engineers opted for new cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology. This technology strengthens the existing pipe by creating a new pipe within it, extending the water main's life by up to a century. By using CIPP, engineers can avoid lengthy excavations that would otherwise interrupt runway operations.
Additionally, airport engineers coordinate with various teams and stakeholders to overcome challenges. For instance, they collaborate with utility crews and airport staff to address issues like groundwater and soil conditions that complicate repairs. Engineers also play a vital role in securing funding and ensuring compliance with regulations through grant applications and environmental permitting.
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Frequently asked questions
A watermain break at an airport can cause flooding, leading to the evacuation and closure of the affected terminal. This can result in flight delays and cancellations, causing a ripple effect of travel disruptions across the globe.
Crews shut off the water to stop the flooding and begin the repair process. They may dig pits to reach the broken main and cut open portions for relining or use new cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology to fix the break and strengthen the pipe.
Fixing a watermain break at an airport can be incredibly challenging due to the critical nature of the water mains and the complexity of airport infrastructure. Heavy rains or extreme weather conditions can also cause delays in repair work.
