A 12-inch main break on Thursday forced a road closure and left about 15 homes without water for most of the day.

City officials say more than a dozen minor leaks happen on the average day in the city of Shreveport, and major main breaks are not uncommon.

"These are not as often but usually when they occur they are pretty traumatic," said Lonnie Fouts, Assistant Superintendent of Field Operations for Shreveport's Department of Water & Sewerage.

It's estimated about $400 million is needed to bring the city's water and sewerage infrastructure up to full speed.

The department currently operates at about a $70 million annual budget.

The city hasn't approved a rate increase since 2008, when the council approved a commercial rate increase only.