On the Water Front

Back in 1904 alumni complained that their alma mater was coddling her sons by introducing indoor plumbing. One can imagine their self-serving smirks had they been around in January, when a Hanover water main suddenly broke. Provost Susan Prager broke the bad news via BlitzMail.

Date: 25 Jan 2000 17:50 EST Subject: Water Problem

The Hanover Water Company has a major water line break on Reservoir Road. Please be advised that you will have low water pressure or no pressure.

19:30 EST Subject: URGENT

While the town is working to reestablish our water supply we askthat each member of ourcommunity help in the followingways: Please, no smoking, and ofcourse, no space heaters or openflames in any of our buildings;disgusting as it sounds, don't flushthe toilets. Because we have asteam heat system, we have nowhad to shut down the heatingplant. Please keep doors andwindows closed to retain the heatwe have. The good news is thatour food services are in operationalthough you will be greeted withpaper plates. Thanks for yourhelp and good cheer,p.s. You should also expect, oncethe water is back on, for it to beyucky and brown for a while.

19:57 EST Subject: Good News!

The water main has been repaired. (The first time you use the faucets, please open your faucets slowly to cleartheair out of the line.) Thanks to all the members of the crew who have worked so hard.