Geyser Leaves Sinkhole, Closes Dale City Street

DALE CITY, Va. — Chunks of asphalt, rocks, mud, and other debris were left behind after a geyser erupted on Catalpa Court in Dale City.

A water main break Sunday night on the neighborhood street in the Catbrier Heights section near Dale City Volunteer Fire Department Station 10 on Dale Boulevard left at least 50 townhomes without water.

Witnesses said the geyser shot at least 10 feet in into the air. In its wake, a 10-foot wide sinkhole was created where the main ruptured. The cause of the eruption was unknown late Sunday night.

Utility crews were called in and were able to shut off water to the main. At least half of the homes in the neighborhood still had water as those units received Dale City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Christopher Hool.

A homeowners association representative said those who were without water would have to wait at least eight hours for it to be restored. There were also plans to use dirt to fill in the sinkhole, and then apply temporary asphalt so drivers could once again get in and out of the neighborhood.

In addition to fire and rescue crews, police closed Catalpa Court to traffic while the mess was being cleaned up.The thoroughfare, which connects with Dale Boulevard, is the only way in and out of Catbrier Heights.

“There was water everywhere,” said William Golden, who shot a video of the geyser. “No one has been able to drive on the street since it erupted.”

Dodging police tape set up around the sinkhole, several residents were seen walking and carrying groceries and other necessities in plastic bags to their homes.