sinkholes and the news media

Every time that there's a hole in the street the local news media (Washington, DC) calls it a "sinkhole".

This is a sinkhole:

This is a water-main break:

File:Water main (8436639590).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

This is a street failure caused by too much rain and an inadequate drainage system:

File:SeabrookPothole18Ap06.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

In other words, not all holes in the street are sinkholes. 

A sinkhole, by definition, is a hole that is caused by dissolution of natural subsurface material, e.g., limestone, gypsum, salt, etc. Sinkholes, from USGS Water-Science School

Holes in the street also result from water main breaks because water pressure from the break "washes away" the surrounding materials (roadway base, soil) causing the pavement to collapse. Holes in the street caused by water main breaks are not sinkholes.

Holes in the street also result from too much surface water (rain, flood) and an inadequate drainage system to remove it. Holes in the street caused by too much surface water and an inadequate drainage system are not sinkholes.

Get it right, news media!