Earlier today, staff with Richland County Utilities (RCU) repaired a breach in a 30-mile water line running to Hopkins in Lower Richland.

The breach occurred Monday, March 27, resulting in a loss of more than 300,000 gallons of water and temporarily cutting water service to Hopkins Middle School, Hopkins Elementary School and Gadsden Elementary School, as well as homes and businesses in the surrounding area. RCU staff found that the breach occurred because of a crack in the water line that spread to a pipe joint.

With the breach now fixed, water service has been restored to those schools, as well as to most surrounding homes and businesses. RCU staff estimates it will finish restoring water service to the area by late afternoon today.

As a precaution, the entire Lower Richland community remains under a boil water advisory until Thursday, March 30 while staff continues to test the water for safe consumption. Residents are encouraged to vigorously boil their water for at least one full minute prior to drinking, cooking or using the water to make ice for beverages. This includes water for pets. RCU will lift the advisory and notify residents when boiling water is no longer necessary.

Please monitor Richland County’s Facebook page as well as the County’s website for updated information.