For several hours, Kenneth Dixon watched as water gushed from the water tower on Ingram Street on Friday. The tower was being drained into the street, causing a fast-flowing approximately three-inch deep stream in front of his home.

The water was running from a tower hose to the large drain over 30 yards down the street.

“This is dangerous,” said Dixon. “I am a single father with three kids aged 9, 12 and 13.” He added that he was very concerned for their safety.

Brookhaven Water and Sewer Superintendent Keith Lewis said the tank was being drained to repaint for upcoming inspections. He added that he did not warn residents in advance because it was not a hazardous issue.

When Dixon asked the water/sewer department about the danger to children, he said they told him to keep them inside. The draining began around noon.

“It doesn’t take much water to drown,” said Dixon.

Lewis said there are no upcoming plans to drain any other towers in the city.

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