Copasa begins emergency work on pipeline in the western region of Belo Horizonte

Residents of neighborhoods in the western region of Belo Horizonte may face new disruptions to their water supply starting this Monday (31), when Copasa begins emergency work to relocate a section of a large pipeline.

The intervention is a consequence of the breach recorded on August 19, on Rua Xapuri, in the Nova Granada neighborhood. At the time, the force of the water reached the region, reaching Avenida Barão Homem de Melo and compromising the supply of 33 neighborhoods in the capital. A two-story property was closed by Civil Defense after an inspection identified an erosion process at the base of the building. Two families who lived there had to leave their house.

Now, according to Copasa, it will be necessary to install a new section of pipe to bypass the building built over the water main. The presence of the property prevents repairs from being carried out in the conventional manner. The company reported that, after technical studies, it defined a new route for the pipeline, with the aim of recovering the flow and stabilizing the network pressure.

The work should continue over the next week. g1 contacted Copasa to find out if there is an end date and is awaiting feedback. During this period, the population may notice changes in the water supply, mainly in the Buritis, Estoril and Nova Switzerland neighborhoods.

The impact tends to be greater in higher regions. According to Copasa, Buritis has a large concentration of buildings and different levels of consumption and reservation. With reduced pressure, the main problem is the time needed for property reservoirs to be completely filled.

Problem started after breakup

The water main rupture occurred around 4:30 am on August 19th. The water occupied both directions of Avenida Barão Homem de Melo and caused disruption in the region. Xapuri Street also had to be partially closed.

At the time, residents and traders reported that they had noticed water running down the asphalt days after work carried out by Copasa in the region. They also stated that another water main rupture had occurred in the same location years before.

According to the company, the solution adopted now is necessary precisely because the pipe passes under a building. Instead of accessing the damaged section, the company will create a diversion to restore the system's capacity.

While the work is being carried out, Copasa informed that it will carry out maneuvers in the network to direct the flow of water at times of greatest consumption. The company also said it will make water trucks available free of charge to schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services that may be affected.

The company recommends that residents reduce water consumption during the work period, to help with the recovery of the reservoirs.

Copasa also clarified that this intervention in the West region is not related to the scheduled maintenance in the Pedro Leopoldo System, which also causes changes in the supply of the Metropolitan Region. There are two independent work fronts.

In case of doubts or emergencies, customers can contact Copasa via the Copasa Digital app, the company's website, telephone 0800 0300 115 or WhatsApp (31) 9 9770-7000.