Pipe Containing Entire School’s Water Supply Bursts

Photo Taken 10/26/18  at 9:10 a.m.

By Web Editors Shiantel Chiang and Rishi Chillara

10/26/18 at 4:30 p.m.

According to the FUSD Business Services Department, FUSD Maintenance staff are excavating, removing, and replacing the damaged pipe, which will cost around $5,000. The work is estimated for completion on Monday, October 29. They will not know how much water was lost until they receive the water bill. 

---

10/26/18 at 10:40 a.m.

According to MSJ Maintenance Department Member Joe Smith, pipe repairs did not begin yesterday for fear that opening the pipe would send out a geyser and force the school to shut down. There are two maintenance companies coming to dig up the asphalt and examine the breakage today at 5 p.m. They will also work through the weekend if necessary. All after-school activities, including seventh-period classes are still cancelled.

Smith does not know how long the repairs will take until they expose the pipe.

---

10/25/18 at 11:00 a.m.

A major 6-inch water pipe between the E-Wing and the girls’ locker room burst early this morning. According to Principal Zack Larsen, the pipe was constructed when the school was built. It was responsible for the entire school’s water supply. All water on campus is currently supplied by a backup 2-inch bypass line. The cause of the burst has not yet been determined.

Due to the weak cement-like composition of the pipe, repairs have been difficult. Contractors will attempt to diagnose the cause of the burst right after school and will work through the night to complete the project. All seventh-period classes and after-school activities, excluding Cross Country, have been cancelled.

Photo Taken 10/25/18 at 8:10 a.m.

---

Photos by Alisha Chhangani and Gregory Wu