When the report of a broken line came in, we got it repaired as quickly as we could and now we're purging the system. The interruption in service started around 2 p.m. yesterday (Thursday), and we're still working on some problems as a result of the break.

Our operators found a valve that was turned off after work had been done on a meter. The valve apparently was damaged because it looked like it had been opened, when it was really closed.

Financially, this is not a pretty picture for us. Despite our efforts and good intentions, we're struggling to get that $130,000 debt paid down. We owe a number of vendors for work they've done, and our credit is suffering.

We're relieved that they found the problem and got everyone's service restored. It's frustrating for all of us, ASUA and our customers, when things like this happen.