Seward Faces Water Crisis Due to a System Break
by Madison Pitsch
Update:
As of 4:45 p.m. on August 23, Seward’s water is safe for consumption.
Concordia’s maintenance department flushed the water systems out around 4:50 p.m., according to a CUNE Alert email. If someone lives off campus, it is recommended that they try to flush out their system as well by running cold water through their taps to force the air out of the pipes.
The City of Seward experienced a break in the water system on Sunday night, when water towers began emptying at a quicker rate than usual.
The break is suspected to have occurred under the flood water of the Big Blue River and Highway 15, according to Greg Butcher, Seward City Administrator. Crews began working on the break at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday night and were not able to hold pressure until 1 a.m. on Monday. Currently, both water towers are being filled and maintaining a steady level of pressure.
The Water Department will go through two days of sampling and testing drinking water to make sure it is safe for consumption. If the report comes back clean, citizens of Seward may be able to drink the water by late Wednesday.
While water is back on and water pressure has returned, the water is not safe for consumption. Bathing, laundry and flushing toilets is all acceptable, however the city recommends that it be done sparingly until the water levels are more stable. Do not drink the water, use it to cook, brush your teeth with it or use it for formula for children. The city will announce when the water is safe for consumption.
The city administration of Seward has been working with stores such as Wal-Mart and Pac-n-Save to order more drinking water for the public. Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and Nebraska National Guard are also expected to bring in water trailers for the public.
Concordia students have been provided with bottled water and access to port-a-potties around campus.
Check with the City of Seward’s social media pages and the City of Seward’s website to get more information and updates.
