Highway employees work on clearing slip debris near hospital
By Bob Weaver
A highway slip caused a water main to break on Rt. 16 (Town Hill) in Grantsville yesterday afternoon, disrupting water service to Minnie Hamilton Health System.
Workers at the site indicated it could be some time before service is restored.
CEO Barb Lay said, "The hospital will focus on patient care during the disruption," saying she is grateful for everyone pulling together to get the problem fixed.
Kathy Wood, 911/OES Director, said the state considered bringing a tanker to the site, but was concerned about freezing temperatures.
Wood said Dick Ullum brought a water tanker to the hospital, which is being used for toilet flushing and other purposes.
Wood said gallon jugs of water stored in the county could be transported to the hospital.
"We're keeping watch on what happens, to see what other action is needed," Wood said.
Lay said there are 24 long-term care patients in the hospital, in addition to 12 patients in the regular hospital beds.
State highway workers were on-scene yesterday afternoon and evening.
One lane on Rt. 16, near the hospital entrance, appeared to be sinking, likely shoving a stone retaining wall out of place, causing the rupture of the water line.
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