A part that failed within the city of Ouray’s water distribution system created a sudden water pressure surge that wreaked havoc with some hot water heaters on Wednesday, causing minor flooding in some homes and businesses in and around the downtown area.

City Administrator Silas Clarke said one of 11 pressure release valves within the city’s water system failed in the open position on Wednesday, causing a sudden spike in water pressure that hot water heaters were unable to handle. An...