The City of Columbia is preparing for potentially heavy rainfall resulting from Tropical Storm Debby from Tuesday, August 6 through Friday, August 9, 2024. Columbia Water wants to reassure to customers and the public about the stability of the Columbia Canal and the security of our drinking water supply. Although full repairs to the headgates and embankment are still pending, the repairs made immediately following the 2015 flood were a robust interim solution that continues to serve us well today. This interim solution allows for better control of inlet flow into the Canal and also provides additional outlet flow capacity to prevent a similar overtopping of the earthen embankment like what occurred in 2015. Additional resources, including pumps, piping and fill materials, are staged and ready if needed.
In addition, our water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plant are currently testing generators and topping off the storage tanks for treatment compounds. Water distribution and wastewater collection teams are readying by-pass pumps, stand-by generators and repair materials. Water distribution storage tanks will be maintained at full or near full levels throughout the storm. Our team has also coordinated with local contractors and they are ready to respond in the event of emergency repair needs.
Should customers experience any non-emergency issues, please call our Customer Care line at (803) 545-3300.
City of Columbia Public Works Department has also been pre-staging barricades in our flood prone streets and intersections throughout the City of Columbia. Due to the storms this past Saturday, August 3, Forestry and Beautification have been cutting back and clearing damaged trees along roadways and right-of-ways. Crews have also been prepping equipment to handle the influx of potential downed trees throughout the City of Columbia.
If you encounter a downed tree that is blocking the roadway or public right-of-way, please call the Forestry Division at 545-3860. After 5:00 p.m., call Customer Care at 545-3300. Stay away from storm-damaged areas to include damaged or downed trees and power lines to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe weather.
To assist with keeping the storm drainage system working properly we would ask that yard debris and other items not be placed adjacent or next to drainage structures.
If you notice a storm drain is blocked by debris, please notify the Public Works Street Division at 545-3780 during regular business hours and Customer Care at 545-3300 after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
Communication is key during any emergency weather event. Please stay in contact with your family, friends and neighbors. Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled and make sure your pets are safe and secure. For emergencies, please call 911.
In addition, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has released several essential safety tips to follow before, during and after the storm:
Double Check Your Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents. Make sure your kit can sustain your household for at least three days, but preferably with enough supplies to last a week or more.
Clear Gutters and Drains: Make sure to clear your gutters and storm drains of debris to prevent water accumulation and reduce the risk of flooding around your home.
Secure Outdoor Items: Store or secure outdoor furniture, garden tools, and toys. High winds can turn these objects into dangerous projectiles.
Stay Informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and stay informed about the developments of the storm. Have several ways to get emergency information.
SCEMD has several resources available for people to prepare for hurricanes, including hurricane.sc. This site is an interactive tool for anyone needing a quick reference on hurricane preparedness.
Stay updated to the City of Columbia for the latest updates and information regarding this severe weather event.
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