News Summary
Residents in Columbia are experiencing disruptions in water service due to multiple water main breaks across the city. The Water Department is actively working to repair the damage while ensuring the safety of the water supply. Traffic issues have arisen, especially on Garners Ferry Road, and a boil water advisory is currently in effect for Geology Road. Residents are urged to boil their water before use, and customer support is available for those with water discoloration concerns. Improvements in communication regarding service interruptions are also expected.
Columbia Faces Water Main Breaks and Boil Water Advisory
Water Service Repairs in Full Swing
Residents of Columbia are currently experiencing some disruptions due to multiple water main breaks throughout the city. The local Water Department has been diligently working to fix these issues, restoring services where possible and ensuring the safety of the community’s water supply.
Traffic and Water Service Updates
One of the major breaks occurred in the 6300 block of Garners Ferry Road, which has since been repaired. Thankfully, water service is back up and running for those affected. However, traffic remains an issue in that area, with inbound lanes reduced to one and outbound lanes limited to two. The city anticipates that these traffic restrictions could linger into next week, so individuals using this route should plan extra travel time.
Unfortunately, another eight-inch water main break has popped up in the 4300 block of Broad River Road. This incident has temporarily hindered water service for nearby homes and businesses. To complicate matters further, a separate boil water advisory has been issued for residents on Geology Road. While this advisory is near the previously reported break, it’s important to note that it may not be directly related to that incident.
Boil Water Advisory and Customer Support
The boil water advisory means that residents are advised to boil their water before using it for drinking or cooking. For those experiencing discolored water, they are encouraged to reach out to Columbia Water Customer Service at 803-545-3300 for guidance and assistance. This kind of discoloration can occur following repairs, as sediment in the pipes can become disturbed during the process.
Recent Breaks and Their Impact
On January 24, a 6-inch water main break hit Sparkman Drive, causing disruptions for residents between N Shorecrest Road and Harlem Street. This was yet another reminder that water main breaks can lead to sediment issues, resulting in discolored water as it makes its way through the system. Residents in the Earlewood neighborhood had previously reported seeing brown water from their taps after a 16-inch break near Richfield Drive and Northwood Street on January 14. While that situation drew about 40 discoloration complaints, Columbia Water didn’t issue a boil water advisory, asserting that the integrity of the water system remained intact.
With an average of 128 discoloration complaints typically filed in January, the department is aware of the challenges that water service disruptions can cause, especially in regards to customer satisfaction.
Looking Ahead: Improvements in Communication
Addressing customer dissatisfaction regarding service notifications, Columbia Water is set to improve its communication protocols. Moving forward, residents will receive alerts for all service interruptions, no matter if they require a boil water advisory or not. The department plans to enhance its notification system using Nixle and social media to keep residents informed on service changes.
While most homes in the Earlewood neighborhood had services restored, it’s essential for residents to stay aware of any updates to ensure they are managing their water usage safely. As Columbia Water continues its work, the community is encouraged to remain patient and informed while enjoying the benefits of improved service in the coming days.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- ABC Columbia
- WIS TV
- KOMU News
- Cola Daily
- Wikipedia: Water Supply and Sanitation in the United States
