Columbia Water & Light blames temperature, ground moisture for water main breaks

At least three underground water pipes have burst in the last day in Columbia, and the utility department believes changing temperatures are to blame.

Lissie Wade with Columbia Water & Light said the warmer temperatures can cause moisture in the ground to expand and shift, which grates against the underground pipes. Wade said that most likely caused three pipes to break in central and east Columbia in the last day.

A broken pipe on Ann Street near Boone Hospital took crews 15 hours to repair, according to Wade. Columbia Water and Light was first notified about the break at 9:25 p.m., Wade said. The break cracked the road and sent water spilling down Ann Street and onto Anthony Street.

Claire Ames, an Anthony Street resident, said she saw utility workers still on scene when she left her apartment before 6 a.m.

“They were here before I even knew about it,” Ames said. “They were here really quickly. Firefighters were here all night long, so was Columbia Water and Light. So, we haven’t heard much about it, but we appreciate it.”

Wade said utility crews also responded to water main breaks on Park Avenue and University Avenue on Thursday. Crews at the scene on University Avenue and Rockhill Road told ABC 17 News that a valve began leaking and needed repair. About 25 customers were put under a boil advisory, Wade said.