Water Main Breaks Cause Disruptions in Columbia, S.C.

News Summary

Columbia, S.C. is facing significant water main breaks, particularly at Harden and Gervais streets, leading to lane closures and traffic disruptions. Columbia Water is actively repairing affected areas but has no definitive timeline for resolution. Recent infrastructure issues, exacerbated by severe weather, have resulted in multiple leaks. Residents may experience water interruptions and boil advisories during repairs, and they should remain vigilant for updates from city officials.

Water Main Breaks Cause Disruptions in Columbia, S.C.

Columbia residents, heads up! The city has been experiencing some water main breaks that are causing quite the stir in our neighborhoods, particularly around the intersection of Harden and Gervais streets. Crews from Columbia Water are hard at work repairing a significant water main break that has resulted in the closure of one eastbound lane. If you’re out and about, you’ll want to plan your route accordingly and keep an eye out for detour signs.

What You Need to Know

Currently, Columbia Water is focused on making essential repairs, and they’ve committed to keeping everyone updated as the work progresses. Now, here’s the kicker – there’s no set timeline for when everything will be back to normal. Some repairs might even involve cutting through asphalt to access the water pipes, so it’s crucial to stay patient while the crews do their thing.

As many of you may have noticed, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen water interruptions lately. Back in January, Columbia Water reported a staggering 147 broken pipes and 288 leaking service lines due to freezing temperatures. That means residents are all too familiar with the strains of these water main breaks!

More Than Just Water Issues

Even if you’re not directly affected by the water main break, it’s likely that you’ve encountered traffic issues or increased construction activity as a result. The city’s aging infrastructure is also a major factor here. For instance, there’s an 85-year-old cast iron pipe on Park Street that contributes to these frequent breaks. It’s evident that our water system’s age is showing, and it’s creating a domino effect that affects everyone in the area.

The shifting ground caused by fluctuating temperatures isn’t making things easier either. Pipes are becoming more sensitive, leading to an uptick in breaks and leaks, as seen recently in the 6300 block of Garners Ferry, where traffic disruptions have necessitated detours.

Boil Water Advisories

If you’re affected by a boil advisory, you’ll receive hang tags placed on your doors providing all the necessary information about what steps you should take. This is the city’s way of keeping you in the loop and ensuring everyone’s safety as repairs proceed.

Understanding Water Bills

For those worried about surprise charges, most homeowners are unlikely to see changes in their water bills due to these repairs. The only exception might be in cases where service line leaks occur on your side of the meter, which could potentially lead to additional costs. It’s always wise to keep an eye on those water bills for any drastic changes.

As Columbia Water continues to work through these disruptions, residents are encouraged to exercise caution while navigating around these areas. Your cooperation is key to making the repair process smoother for everyone involved. Let’s all do our part to stay informed and patient as our dedicated crews work diligently to restore our water safely! Remember to stay updated, follow detours, and keep your eyes peeled for those important hang tags!

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Additional Resources

• WLTX
• ABC 17 News
• WIS TV
• KOMU
• ABC Columbia
• Wikipedia: Water Supply
• Google Search: Water Main Breaks in Columbia
• Google Scholar: Water Infrastructure Issues
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Pollution
• Google News: Columbia Water Main Breaks