Lincoln, Neb. — (UPDATE) A broken water pipe at the Nebraska State Penitentiary has been repaired. At approximately 4 p.m. Saturday, the facility reported the water and steam to the four affected housing units was fully operational.
The broken water pipe caused four housing units to be placed on modified operations at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP). Contractors immediately arrived at the facility Friday afternoon, March 10, to address the issue. Portable restrooms and bottled water were brought to the penitentiary for those who were affected.
Statement from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services shortly after the broken water pipe was discovered: “The cause of the break has not yet been identified,” said Diane Sabatka-Rine, interim director at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS). “The water and steam have been
shut off to the housing units, shop areas and other support buildings. Meals will continue to be
provided and served on Styrofoam trays, since the water is off.”
Approximately 600 inmates were impacted, who are housed in the four minimum-custody
housing units. Digging was conducted in the area of the break. Once identified, repairs began.
Additional Statement from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS): “We hope to have water restored tomorrow,” said NSP Warden Michele Wilhelm. “Admittedly, that will depend on identifying the initial break and insuring no other leaks happen as the water is restored, which can sometimes occur with older pipes.” She said if the water outage does last longer, steps will be taken to ensure inmates have restrooms, fresh bottled water and if necessary, showers in another location.
