Water back on in Lafayette following water main break

LAFAYETTE, Calif. (KGO) -- It's been 24 hours and counting, but the water is now back on in Lafayette after a giant water main ruptured sent huge amounts of raging water rushing downhill in the path of homes.

East Bay MUD crews worked to replace the very large 16-inch cast iron pipe that ruptured in the area of Reliez Station Road and Olympic Blvd.

At Katie Fulton's house, bottled water has been the standby since there is no water coming through the pipes.

"I couldn't wash my hands. I used hand sanitizer. Gross!" explained Fulton.

Jim Van Orme watched as a waterfall spilled off his family's backyard hill heading straight for his house. The water was ankle-deep. The instant flood brought mud, rocks and debris cascading down.

"It was terrifying, just one of those things I can't believe this is happening," explained Emily Van Orme.

The Van Orme's were lucky. Water stayed out of their house thanks to firefighters who brought sandbags.

The 60-year-old water pipe that cracked was 15-feet long. It will be replaced with a pvc pipe. East Bay MUD doesn't know if the cold weather caused the pipe to break.