Tens of thousands of gallons of water were lost when a water main burst Tuesday in Valley Center.
The Valley Center Municipal Water District learned of the break in the 12-inch pipe near McNally and Carney roads around 2 a.m. The pressure from the break caused a three foot sinkhole.
An estimated 50,000 gallons of water were lost in the hour it took for crews to shut off the water and begin repairs.
Water district officials say the pipe was installed in the 1960s.
The number of customers who were without water was small – just 40 customers – but they are mostly avocado growers. Some of the groves are as large as 100 acres.
Repairs should be completed by 11 a.m. with water restored around 9 a.m.
The area of the break is a remote section of San Diego's North County, located east of State Route 76 and Cole Grade Road.
