City announces water distribution sites for drinking water

City of Columba officials held a press conference announced water distribution sites and to provide details on water service, the City’s FEMA Type I request and United Way of the Midlands’ disaster relief fund.

Water Distribution Sites

Water distribution sites opened today from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and will reopentomorrow, Oct. 6 from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. The City’s water distribution sites have been set up at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street and Wal-Mart, 5424 Forest Drive. Each site will be staffed with National Guard soldiers, who will hand out bottled water.

In addition to the City’s water distribution sites, Richland County has set up two locations at Lower Richland High School , 2615 Lower Richland Blvd. and 3700 Landmark Drive with the same hours of operation. The City and the County will each open three additional sites, providing a total of 10 water distribution locations for citizens. These locations will be announced tomorrow, Oct.6, 2015.

Water Services Updates

• Due to a breach at the Columbia Canal, crews are in the process of making repairs to restore normal operations.
• Many downtown water customers have experienced increased water pressure, however, it may not be sustainable.
• Reported Water Outages as of Oct. 5 at 4:30 p.m. – Download PDF
• The Customer Care Center staff is working diligently to answer calls as quickly as possible. Citizens can expect delays based on the high volume of calls. Please call 803-545-3300 as an alternate non-emergency contact or email [email protected].

For additional information about drinking water tips, click HERE.

FEMA Type I Request

On Saturday, Oct. 3 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved and declared Federal Disaster Aid for the State of South Carolina. This aid consists of assistance for the State, Tribal and affected local governments. The City of Columbia has requested a FEMA Type I designation. This type of incident is the most complex, requiring national resources for safe and effective management and operations. (Source: SCEMD)

Disaster Relief Fund

United Way of the Midlands is working with local government and many of their partner agencies as well as community and faith groups to aid in relief efforts for people affected by the recent flooding. To make a contribution to these efforts, please visit https://www.uway.org/news/flood-disaster-relief-fund.

All donations will go directly to support relief efforts for those affected by the October floods in the Midlands of South Carolina. United Way of the Midlands will not charge or collect administrative fees.