Categories: Government NewsWest Columbia, SC

Columbia Residents Under Boil Water Advisory After Main Break

Residents are alerted to boil water advisories in Columbia due to main breaks.

News Summary

Residents in Columbia are facing boil water advisories following multiple water main breaks, affecting safety and water quality. Approximately 51 customers are impacted and must boil water for consumption and cooking. Nearby areas, including West Columbia, have also issued similar advisories as the situation unfolds. Community leaders are urging residents to stay informed about updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their health and well-being.

Columbia Residents Face Boil Water Advisories After Main Breaks

In Columbia, water woes have hit some neighborhoods hard as precautionary boil advisories have been issued following multiple water main breaks. This advisory, announced on Thursday afternoon, directly impacts 51 customers who are now being urged to keep their cooking and drinking water safe.

Understanding the Advisory

The boil advisory comes as a proactive measure after a water main break that affected specific areas in the city. Affected residents will find hand tags placed on their front doors, alerting them to the situation and necessary precautions. If you find yourself under this advisory, remember to boil your water vigorously for at least one full minute before using it for drinking or cooking purposes. And just a quick reminder, it’s also advisable to avoid using ice made from unboiled water.

Community Alarm

Things took a turn for the worse when resident Karen Phillips from Adella Street reported ongoing issues stemming from a gradual decrease in water pressure after a main line break persisted for over a week. Desperate for help, Phillips caught the flooding of her own yard (and that of her neighbor’s) on video, showcasing the dilemma that had residents concerned.

Philips first reported the water situation to the city on Thursday, December 26, but unfortunately, timely assistance did not arrive. After reaching out for broader coverage, city crews made their way to the problem site and managed to rectify the water line break by Friday evening.

Latest Developments

Shortly after, around 8 p.m. on Friday, a boil water advisory specifically for Adella Street was issued due to a 6-inch main line water break. This advisory highlighted potential risks of bacterial contamination in the water coming from both Adella Street and Anna Lane, creating a bit of a stir among residents.

Meanwhile, Columbia Water has yet to confirm whether they had prior knowledge of the main break before it became such a critical issue.

West Columbia Affected Too

Staying Informed

With the situation still fluid, it’s important for residents to stay informed about the ongoing advisories. The boil water advisory in West Columbia will remain in effect until further notice, making it imperative for everyone to follow the safety guidelines closely.

For ongoing updates and the latest information, residents can check the City of West Columbia’s website for real-time notices or reach out to customer service during normal business hours for any questions they may have.

Community Resilience

These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of community resilience and preparedness. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, Columbia residents can safeguard their health and well-being despite these recent water challenges.