Broken water main in L.A. sends geyser past rooftops

Work crews have significantly reduced a towering fountain of water gushing onto a Los Angeles street from a ruptured water main.

The city's Department of Water and Power says the 54-inch water main sent thousands of gallons of recycled water pouring onto Van Nuys Boulevard on Monday.

The break sent water far above the roofs of nearby businesses. No injuries or building damage were reported.

Crews reduced the geyser to a small fountain in about 90 minutes. Fire officials say they are working slowly because simply shutting down the pipe would cause a surge of water pressure through other pipes.

Utility spokeswoman Gale Harris says the cause is being investigated. She says the pipe carries recycled water for irrigation and industry.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A water pipe has sent a 20-foot geyser into the air in the San Fernando Valley, but no injuries or building damage has been reported.

Los Angeles fire officials say flooding was reported shortly at a Van Nuys intersection.

An immense fountain of water is rising high above the roofs of businesses on busy Van Nuys Boulevard. Thousands of gallons of water have poured into sewers.

There's no immediate word on what caused the problem.