Two water main breaks caused severe damage to the gardens and facilities at Reiman Gardens Sunday.

Teresa McLaughlin, director of Reiman Gardens, said the result of the water main breaks was much of the center area of the gardens, called the Town and Country garden, “was literally washed away.”

Although the total damage to the garden has not been determined, McLaughlin said it was severe because of the many areas the water reached.

She said the garden’s large pond, Lake Helen, will need to be drained and power-washed due to the amount of silt and soil washed into the pond.

The water also got into the Marge Hunziker House. If the drywall in the building got wet, it will have to be replaced. McLaughlin said there would probably also be damage to the irrigation system of the garden. The valves of the system will also have to be replaced if they are clogged.

A custodian initially noticed the water main break shortly before 7 a.m. Sunday, and Facilities Planning and Management and Ames officials were notified. The water was stopped for the first time around 9 a.m. The first break did not cause extensive damage.

Another break occurred when a valve burst while city employees were working to fix the break around 4:30 p.m., causing most of the damage to the gardens.

Paul Wiegand, public works director for Ames, said they have not made a general evaluation about the cause of the water main breaks, but said this time of year breaks can be caused by shifting ground or a lack or rain.

“We got the repair done last evening and finished up today,” Wiegand said. McLaughlin said the cleanup has already begun, but they had to call off the crews Monday due to rain.

“We really wanted rain all summer and this was the worst day to get it,” she said.

McLaughlin said the water main breaks have come at a difficult time for the garden because of a recent $110,000 budget cut.

She said she has received calls from people giving support for the gardens.

“We can use their patronage now more than ever,” she said.

The water did not damage the conservatory area, which is the most popular area for patrons in the winter, McLaughlin said. The 3-D mum show and poinsettia show were not affected and will still take place as planned.