Nebraska State Penitentiary provides update on water line breaks; around 715 inmates affected

Nebraska State Penitentiary provides update on water line breaks; around 715 inmates affected

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Around 715 inmates are currently affected by a pair of water line breaks at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said on Monday that a pair of water line breaks had affected four of NSP’s nine housing units.

The first water line break occurred on Thursday near the library, and it was fixed Friday. Also Friday, a new leak was found by one of the housing units.

NDCS said that parts were needed to fix the leak, and that it is unknown how long it will take for repairs.

NDCS said finding the exact source of the break has been difficult as it was buried under concrete and was close to electrical lines.

“Our first step in every process is to ensure the safety and security of our staff and population,” said Dayne Urbanovsky, director of strategic communication at NDCS. “Initially, 20,000 water bottles were delivered to NSP and additional water deliveries have since been made. Portable toilets were brought in on Thursday.”

Bottled water is distributed every four hours, and more frequently if needed, to ensure individuals have continuous access to drinking water.

Sanitation and operational checks are made hourly, and the toilets are emptied at least every 12 hours.

A schedule for shower access is in place and will continue until normal water service is restored.

Laundry from the facility is being sent to other facilities to be cleaned, and those items will be returned and distributed on Tuesday. This process will continue until normal water service is restored.

According to Urbanovsky, staff have worked diligently to keep yard time available and ensure no disruptions to medical care, visiting or religious services.

NDCS said the penitentiary experiences reoccurring water line breaks due to aging facility infrastructure.

Construction of a replacement facility in north Lincoln is underway, with a 2028 completion planned.

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