Water main break causes closures at university

By Ruth Campbell

Southeast Missourian

Less than a week into the new year at Southeast Missouri State University, both of its campuses were shut down by a water main break Wednesday. The event prompted cancellation of classes and office closures on the main and River campuses.

Southeast's regional campuses and Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education at the Career and Technology Center are not affected, vice president for finance and administration Kathy Mangels said.

Students living in residence halls are encouraged to return to campus on Monday, and offices will open and classes will resume at 8 a.m., Tuesday. Mangels said the water main comes into campus underground in the area next to the boiler plant and connects to other mains around the university.

The 68-year-old cast iron pipe cracked, causing the break, officials said.

The break has caused low water pressure and caused restrooms and air-conditioning to stop working, Mangels said. Residence halls will remain open. With the campus and office closures, water pressure can be saved to serve the residence halls. Based on estimates Wednesday afternoon, it will take 24 to 48 hours to get a temporary connection.

Mangels said the university determined it was prudent to cancel classes and close offices for the rest of the week.

"Obviously, it's one of those unforeseen events," Mangels said. The most recent main campus closures occurred during wintry weather in February and a power outage a couple of years ago.

Facilities that are unaffected are the Student Recreation Center, Student Aquatic Center and Show Me Center. Food service will be available to students at Towers cafeteria, Rowdy's and at the River Campus.

Mangels said shuttle service will continue to run on campus and the Department of Public Safety and Facilities Management staff will continue working.

Thursday's 8:30 a.m. Board of Regents closed session and 6 p.m. Redhawks football game will go on as scheduled, as will Friday's 6:30 p.m. soccer game, officials said.

In the area near the boiler plant, city crews and contractors were working hard to make temporary fixes to the problem Wednesday, Mangels said.

City public information manager Nicolette Brennan said the break was localized in the university area, but a few area residents might experience low water pressure. A city news release said the water is safe to drink.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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