Watson Hall has no drinkable water, and as of late Wednesday there was no estimated repair date.

A water main under Waverly Avenue broke last week, partially closing the road, according to Syracuse University’s Parking and Transit Services. The break affected water service to Watson, and the main broke three times since last Thursday, Assistant Residence Director Hannah Foley said in an email sent to Watson residents.

Water for bathing and toilets is still running, but it’s taken from a different city water main and is not suitable for consumption, Foley said. SU has provided free water bottles to students.

Contractors are working to replace the pipe, and the line was not fixed late Wednesday.

“I do recognize that this has been a frustrating experience for all of you and I cannot apologize enough for the inconvenience I know this has caused you,” Watson and The Sheraton Residence Director Liz Odermatt said in a separate email to residents Wednesday afternoon.

Campus facilities staff put bags over drinking fountains and placed signage near fountains to prevent residents from drinking out of them, Foley said.

Foley said in an interview that she found out about the water break when a student walking along Waverly Avenue messaged her and said that there was water pouring onto the street.

Sophomore Oscar Baez, a resident of Watson, said he discovered the water was shut off when he went to the bathroom. He said he doesn’t spend much time in Watson, but he knows other people who were more heavily affected than him.

Carmelina Caratozzolo, a sophomore who works at the main desk in Watson Hall, said she was told to give out two water bottles per person.

“I think overall people are just annoyed,” Caratozzolo said. “I think a lot of people found other means, (like) going to Kimmel.”

Published on February 6, 2019 at 10:12 pm

Contact Kennedy: krose100@syr.edu | @KennedyRose001