Water main break closes Riverbanks Zoo Monday, boil water advisory enacted

A water main break shut down the Riverbanks Zoo Monday and possibly affected water supplies at nearby businesses and residences.

The City of Columbia reported it was working to repair a 24-inch water main break Monday afternoon, which could result in bacterial contamination of water in those areas.

Riverbanks Zoo officials said the break occurred off of Candi Lane, which becomes Rivermont Drive near the zoo.

The city advised water customers on Rivermont Drive, at Riverbanks Zoo and on Wildlife Parkway to vigorously boil water for at least one minute prior to drinking or cooking. Any ice made from water that has not been boiled should not be used for drinking purposes.

Any residents near the affected area who have lost water and/or water pressure are also advised to follow those instructions.

Despite the closing of the zoo, the Botanical Garden and Waterfall Junction will remain open. Visitors can access those from U.S. 378 via Mohawk or Seminole drives.

As of 2:30 p.m. Monday, the zoo reported on its Facebook page that it had not made a decision on whether to open the zoo Tuesday and to check www.riverbanks.org for updates.

Those in the affect area can contact Lexington/Richland County Environmental Services at (803) 896-0620 or City of Columbia at (803) 545-3300 with questions. Restaurants and Hotels only may contact the S.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association at (803) 765-9000.

Questions concerning healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities should be directed to S.C. DHEC Division of Health Licensing at (803) 545-4370.

This story was originally published May 23, 2016 at 12:09 PM.