Water main break leads to discolored water for some Columbia residents - KOMU 8

Main break leads to discolored water for some Columbia residents | Mid-Missouri News | komu.com

COLUMBIA − A 16-inch main break occurred on MU's campus Tuesday afternoon that resulted in a loss of water pressure or discoloration for some Columbia residents and businesses.

The water is still safe to drink, according to Columbia Water and Light spokesperson Matt Nestor. Any customers affected by a boil advisory will be notified.

Crews were working to replace valves on West Worley Street, and water had been rerouted to accommodate the repairs. The utility was alerted to the main break around midday Tuesday, and the two instances caused widespread water service issues.

The basement of MU's South Hall flooded, according to MU spokesperson Christian Basi. The basement is off limits while workers restore the area. No student rooms were impacted.

The parking lot closest to Stadium Boulevard and South Hall was greatly impacted. MU advises individuals to stay out of the area closed off by yellow caution tape as the surface is unlevel.

A photo shared with KOMU 8 showed water running through the parking lot and behind South Hall.

"I came out here at like 11:20 [a.m.]. That's when I walked out this door and noticed the river coming out and down there and it was just flooded," MU student Katie Schroeder said.

A photo shared with KOMU 8 shows a large amount of water behind South Hall on MU's campus.

Though water flooded South Hall's basement, Basi said student residences in the area are on a different water line, so they still have normal drinking water.

"All of this water was just rushing, it was kind of like a river," said Taylor Bowman, MU student living at South Hall. "These cars all have to move and I can't do my laundry."

South Hall's basement and the parking lot are still closed, and students in the residence hall needing to do laundry will use the laundry services in the basement of nearby dorms. Students parked in the lot will park in extra spaces nearby.

"The RA's in my hall told anybody parked in [these lots] to move them," Bowman said

Water and Light crews have been on site since at least 1:45 p.m. working to repair the break. By 6:30 crews were digging into the parking lot and pumping water out of the ground to get to the main break.

The water that was impacted is not water that services South Hall, according to MU. Students should not see a change in the water they drink or water that they shower with.

In a press release, Water and Light apologized for any inconvenience as the utility works to remedy the situation.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the city's contact center at 573-874-2489.