(Lincoln, NE) - The Nebraska State Penitentiary has experienced two water line breaks.
The first happened last Thursday near the facility’s library and was fixed on Friday, but a second break happened near one of the housing units, which has affected water service to a significant portion of the facility.
Four of nine housing units are affected, impacting approximately 715 incarcerated individuals.
Repairs are currently underway, though a time frame is not known. Corrections says locating the exact source of the break is complex as it is buried under concrete and close to electrical lines.
The facility has implemented measures to address the water outage and keep services available for the incarcerated population:
Initially, 20,000 bottles of water were delivered, and additional water deliveries have since been made. Bottled water is distributed every four hours, and more frequently if needed, to ensure individuals have continuous access to drinking water.
Portable toilets were delivered on Thursday. 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.
Portions of the facility date back to 1869. Construction of a penitentiary in north Lincoln is underway, with a 2028 completion planned.
(Picture from Nebraska Corrections)