OCEAN SHORES, WA — The City of Ocean Shores has released a detailed update following a major water main break Thursday, November 12, that disrupted water service in the southern portion of the city and prompted a precautionary boil water advisory.

City officials say the incident occurred when Ripple Fiber, a contractor performing underground boring operations, struck a 16-inch city water main approximately nine feet below ground. The damage caused a significant loss of water pressure, triggering an extensive emergency response involving city departments, local businesses, construction contractors, and regional emergency management agencies.

While water service has been restored, the boil water advisory remains in effect as officials await laboratory testing results, which are expected Saturday afternoon, November 14.

Contractor Strikes Major Water Main

According to the city's November 13 press release, the damaged water main was located approximately nine feet underground, creating additional challenges for repair crews.

Specialized excavation equipment was needed before city workers could safely access the damaged pipe and begin repairs.

Brumfield Construction, which was already working in Ocean Shores on the city's Ensign Project, redirected equipment and resources to assist with the emergency.

The additional equipment allowed Public Works crews to safely enter the excavation, assess the damage, and begin restoring the water system.

Ocean Shores Public Works employees worked from approximately 6:30 a.m. Thursday until 11:45 p.m., handling repairs, restoring water service, and conducting extensive flushing throughout the affected distribution system.

Why the Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect

Although water pressure has been restored, city officials emphasize that restoring service does not automatically mean the water has been confirmed safe for consumption.

When water pressure drops significantly or a water main is shut down for repairs, contaminants can potentially enter the public drinking water system.

Under Washington State drinking water safety requirements, precautionary measures must be taken until the system has been flushed and water samples have passed required testing.

The city has been coordinating with Grays Harbor County to expedite the testing process.

Laboratory results are anticipated Saturday afternoon, November 14.

If testing confirms the water meets safety standards, the city will officially lift the boil water advisory and notify the public.

However, if additional testing or corrective action is required, the advisory will remain in place.

Residents and businesses within the affected area should continue following boil water precautions until an official all-clear is issued by the City of Ocean Shores.

Microsoft Outage Complicates Emergency Notifications

The water emergency was further complicated by a nationwide Microsoft service outage that, according to city officials, interfered with authentication and verification procedures needed to access Ocean Shores' emergency notification system.

The technical difficulties prevented the city from using its normal emergency notification process as intended.

To ensure residents received critical information, Ocean Shores contacted Grays Harbor Emergency Management for assistance.

County emergency management officials utilized the RAVE emergency notification system, using geofencing technology to send targeted voice calls and text messages to the Ocean Shores area.

The city acknowledged that some residents experienced confusion and frustration during the notification process and apologized for the difficulties.

Following the incident, city officials say additional authentication options and access methods have been established to reduce dependence on a single verification process during future emergencies.

Local Businesses and Agencies Assist Emergency Response

The city credited numerous departments, businesses, and regional partners for helping manage the emergency.

Ocean Shores Police assisted with traffic control and public safety around emergency water distribution locations.

The Ocean Shores Convention Center, Finance Department, and City Administration also provided logistical and operational assistance outside their normal responsibilities.

Local retailers, including Ace Hardware, IGA, and Walmart, made pallets of bottled water available for the city to purchase and distribute to affected residents.

Grays Harbor Emergency Management assisted with public notifications, while Grays Harbor County worked with city officials to expedite water quality testing.

City officials praised Public Works employees for their extended hours and efforts to restore essential services.

City Plans to Hold Contractor Financially Responsible

Ocean Shores officials also addressed concerns about the financial impact of the water main break.

According to the city, the contractor responsible for damaging the water main will be held financially responsible for applicable costs associated with the incident.

The city intends to pursue reimbursement for repair materials, replacement components, specialized equipment, contractor mobilization, employee labor, emergency response expenses, and other documented costs directly related to the damage.

Officials said the contractor was required to maintain a bond as a condition of performing the work.

The city plans to pursue eligible reimbursement through the applicable bonding and recovery processes.

No total damage estimate or repair cost was provided in the release.

Bottled Water Distribution Continues

The City of Ocean Shores says bottled water distribution will continue until the boil water advisory has officially been lifted.

Water Distribution Location:

Ocean Shores Public Works Yard — Canal Drive

Residents should use the rear entrance to the Public Works yard, following the same access route used for green waste drop-off.

The city recognizes the disruption the emergency has caused for residents, restaurants, schools, businesses, and visitors, particularly those whose daily operations depend on reliable access to safe drinking water.

What Happens Next?

The next major update is expected Saturday afternoon, November 14, when expedited laboratory results are anticipated.

Once verified results are received, city officials will announce whether the boil water advisory can be lifted or whether additional testing and precautions are necessary.

Until then, the advisory remains in effect for the affected area.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official city communications for updates and confirmation that the water is safe to consume.

Source: City of Ocean Shores official press release, November 13, 2026.

Grays Harbor Scanner will continue monitoring developments and provide additional updates as information becomes available.