Water pressure was reduced late Thursday in Port Arthur because of what was described as “an above average” number of large water main breaks in the city’s system.

City spokeswoman Risa Carpenter said while the problem rests with the city’s water system infrastructure, the pressure issue was expected to be resolved by Friday morning. She said crews would work possibly through the night to repair what she said were “five active leaks.”

Carpenter said water customers in some parts of the city should expect a “marked decrease in pressure.”

“Citizens are encouraged to conserve water through the evening in an effort to slow water loss throughout the city,” she said late Thursday afternoon. “Through voluntary compliance mandatory restrictions can be delayed and possibly avoided.”

Carpenter said the city would notify residents “if circumstances change.”

There was no boil advisory expected but the city offered these tips for conserving water:

• Check faucets, pipes and toilets for leaks.
• Take shorter showers or postpone showers until Friday morning.
• Turn off water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Don’t wash dishes until water pressure returns.

The city of Port Arthur’s water comes through the Lower Neches River Valley Authority.