COLOMBIA – A water main break under the East Broadway sidewalk flooded the basement of Smokers’ Choice 2, affecting other buildings in downtown Columbia on Saturday.
Water penetrated underground in Smoker’s Choice 2, leaving the building water for hours. Management said there were fragments floating in the water.
Break was forced to close smoker choice 2 early on Saturday evening, affecting the time of the adjacent restaurant a little more.
“A member of the sewer crew went to investigate it. There were already members from the moisture department and they decided it wasn’t a sewer issue, but it was a major break in the water that occurred,” Jason said. West said. Communications and Outreach Supervisor at Columbia Utility.
West said the main is privately owned and not a city line. West added that at this point he doesn’t know who owns the waters.
“We don’t know who the property owner is, but that will be the responsibility of the property owner,” West said.
Half of the sidewalk between Southtent Street and Hit Street is closed to pedestrians for repairs. The city is currently unable to provide a timetable for when sidewalks will reopen.
Half of the sidewalk between South 10th Avenue and Hit Street is closed to pedestrians for repairs.
At this time, the cause of the main water break is still unknown. However, West said the city-owned pipes were not affected.
“The sewer department removed the manholes and inspected the area to make sure everything was getting faster.
If we’re going to prevent this issue in the future, West said, “just make sure property owners are educated and ensure they have the right information needed to ensure they can maintain their mains and lines.”
With the sidewalks moving forward, the city said that maintaining and cleanliness of sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owner, not the city itself.
If your business has issues like a water main break to keep preparing local businesses, “Their first call should be to the property owner, or the person they rent the space,” West said said.
The city recommends that if you suspect issues connecting to a major city’s sewer or water line, it contacts the city’s main hotline (573) 874-2489.
