Well...that much water lost before they could shut it down really supports the idea of having distributed water supply towers (sources). Maybe in this way, a sudden drainage due to a break would limit the total gallons wasted.

What if this was caused by a quake which caused the streets to flood with cars and people. I wonder how much longer (if any) it would take to be able to shut off the water?

I thought CA was having water (drought) problems too.... Maybe one day they will get around to installing auto shut off valves for the water supply (or computer directed ones). In this way, a city could just look at a computer display to monitor and control the water routing.... I guess that's big city stuff that probably wouldn't apply to Hollister though....

Guess we'll be finding out if the lost water "greases up" any of the faults in the area....(assuming one subscribes to the idea...). Let's see...which way is downhill....

$.02