Boil Water Advisory Issued in West Columbia Due to Main Break

News Summary

Residents in West Columbia and nearby areas are under a boil water advisory following a significant water main break. Affected neighborhoods include Brickyard Road, Hamby St., and others. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute to ensure safety. Restaurants must comply with health guidelines during this advisory. Stay informed and safe as the situation develops.

Boil Water Advisories in Multiple Areas Due to Water Main Breaks

Attention, residents of West Columbia and surrounding areas! A boil water advisory has been put into effect for several neighborhoods due to a significant water main break. Complications like this can happen, but it’s always best to stay informed to keep your family safe!

Here’s the Scoop on Affected Areas

If you live in the following regions, it’s crucial to pay attention:

4700 – 4900 blocks of Brickyard Road
Hamby St.
Baine St.
Rugby St.
Barrington Drive
Bauer Circle

Residents in these neighborhoods and nearby areas who experience low water pressure or no water at all are also advised to follow the boiling recommendations. A 10-inch water main break is the cause of this inconvenience, affecting many households.

What Should You Do?

Customers are being reminded to vigorously boil their water for at least one full minute before consuming or cooking with it. It’s important, so don’t skip this step! If your water appears cloudy or has any sediment, boiling is equally necessary.

Ice made from unboiled water? Definitely a no-go! It’s best to discard any ice created using untreated water to avoid any unwanted health risks.

Keep Your Food Safe!

Restaurants and food processors are also under observation and must comply with both USDA and South Carolina DHEC recommendations during this advisory period. It’s all about keeping everyone safe, especially when it comes to food sanitation!

How to Get More Information

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the boil water advisory, don’t hesitate to reach out to the following numbers:

Lexington/Richland County Environmental Health Office: 576-2910
South Carolina Hospitality Association: 765-9000
SC DHEC Division of Health Licensing (for healthcare facilities): 545-4370
City of Columbia Water Works for other inquiries: 733-8336 or 781-2181

The advisory is in place until further notice, and residents are strongly encouraged to stay updated regarding the situation.

A Word on Nearby West Columbia

It’s not just West Columbia facing these issues. The City of West Columbia has also issued a boil water advisory due to water main breaks. Residents there should follow the same boiling guidelines and stay tuned for updates, as the advisory continues to be in effect.

Looking at DC

This week isn’t just troublesome for South Carolina. In the District of Columbia, a similar advisory has been issued covering prominent areas such as the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Reagan National Airport. The cause? A drop in water supply from the Washington Aqueduct, which has prompted treatment adjustments.

DC residents are advised not to consume any water that hasn’t been boiled, and any beverages or ice created after 9 p.m. on July 3, 2024, should be discarded. If there are concerns about lead sources in the plumbing, running cold water for two minutes before boiling it is recommended.

Despite the turbidity issues causing these advisories, there’s currently no confirmed contamination of the water supply. The advisory is more of a precaution to safeguard public health.

Stay Informed!

As always, it’s vital to stay informed during situations like this. Be sure to keep an eye out for updates from your local government and health departments to ensure you and your family remain safe and healthy throughout this advisory.