Updated: Nov. 10, 2:26 p.m.
Q. What happened?
A. SMU Facilities crews and contractors have been working since late Monday (11/7) evening to repair an apparent leak in an underground plumbing line in SMU’s southeast residential commons. The leak reduced the water pressure needed for the toilets to function properly in the commons. Water to sinks and showers were not affected.
Water flow is now restored to the toilets in three commons – Loyd, Ware and Kathy Crow.
Students in Armstrong and Crum Commons have been given the option to move off campus to a hotel with shuttle accommodations provided to campus throughout the day tomorrow. Some students have chosen to do so; others will remain in their rooms and continue using the portable toilets and restroom facilities at Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. SMU police will be patrolling the area overnight.
Crews will continue working 24/7 to try to isolate the pipe break that is affecting toilets in Armstrong and Crum Commons. Once they do, the materials and equipment are on hand to fix it within hours. The cause of the leak remains unknown at this time.
Q. Where is the repair work?
A. Crews are excavating an area where the leak is suspected adjacent to the Kathy Crow Commons. Crews continue to dig, brace trenching and pump out leaking water – a time-consuming process that must be observed to ensure worker safety.
SMU Environmental Health & Safety continues to monitor the area for any hazards and pedestrian walkways have been adjusted and marked for safety purposes.
Currently, Loyd, Ware and Kathy Crow have restored water pressure for the toilets and are now operational.
Q. What systems are impacted?
A. The toilets in the two residential commons are not operational as there is insufficient water pressure due to the leak to remove waste. All other systems are operational.
The southeast residential commons area uses a campus grey water system serving the water closets. This is a sustainable system that uses recycled water to flush the toilets in the building thereby allowing potable, clean water to be conserved. The recycled water servicing the toilets is not connected to sinks and showers – that is a separate piping system.
Q. Is water still running and connected to the residential commons?
A. Yes. Sinks and showers are operational and safe to use. Drinking water is also safe.
Q. What is the timeline for when repairs will be complete?
A. Please see SMU Aware for the latest update.
Q. What accommodations have been made for the student residents?
A. The adjacent Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports has been made available for students who need restroom facilities. Portable toilets and hand-washing stations have also been brought in near the commons complex. SMU Police have been staffing the Dedman Center overnight and are available to students who would like a safety escort.
Students in Armstrong and Crum Commons have been given the option to move off campus tonight to a hotel with shuttle accommodations provided to campus throughout the day tomorrow.
Also, faculty who have had a student impacted by the leak repair have been notified and asked to provide additional flexibility to account for individuals who have been relocated temporarily.
Q. Is SMU communicating repair updates to affected residents and staff?
A. Yes. Residence Life and Student Housing staff have been in touch with impacted student residents and staff since the leak occurred and are updating them on the progress of the repairs. Parents and families of residents are also receiving periodic updates.
Q. Are the commons bathrooms and adjacent restroom and portable toilet facilities being cleaned?
A. Yes. The University’s custodial service is aware of the situation and is cleaning the impacted areas on a routine basis.
Q. What is being done about the odor in the restrooms?
The air handlers in the affected commons area have been set to use 100% outside air to help circulate fresh air. Because of the toilet design, adding water to the basin does not flush away contents. Additional deodorizing sprays are being made available to the commons.
Q. Are there any health concerns related to the toilets not working in the commons?
A. SMU Environmental Health & Safety is monitoring the situation and working closely with Residence Life & Student Housing staff. The custodial service continues to regularly clean the affected areas and temporary restroom facilities and airflow has been increased to keep fresh air in circulation.