Line break at BGSU interrupts water service

1/12/2005

BOWLING GREEN - A six-inch water main broke early yesterday at Bowling Green State University, shutting off water to nearly two dozen buildings, including residence halls and fraternity houses.

Instead of canceling class on the second day back this year, officials routed the affected users to other locations across campus. Signs were posted at nonworking restrooms directing faculty, staff, and students to specific facilities in other buildings.

Some of the affected buildings included all of the houses in the old fraternity row as well as Kohl Hall and Rodgers Quadrangle.

The Student Recreation Center, Student Health Center, Jerome Library, and about a dozen educational buildings also were affected.

Bryan Benner, associate vice president for administration, said university crews and contractors worked throughout the day to repair the water line, which is about 25 years old.

Officials said a support bracket failed on the line.

The break was discovered overnight when employees at various buildings started reporting low water pressure. Water was discovered in a tunnel area, Mr. Benner said.

No major damage was reported.

The line was repaired last night, with service restored to all buildings.