Skip to content

Victoria water main break forces closure of George Jay elementary for the day

City crews were able to restore water service to school by mid-afternoon
9796669_web1_VNE-GeorgeJay
Students were sent home from George Jay elementary on Wednesday after a water main break left the school without running water. Fernwood NRG photo

A water main break at George Jay elementary Wednesday prompted closure of the school, sending students home for the day.

“It did affect our school at George Jay,” confirmed Lisa McPhail, communications director for the Greater Victoria School District. “We had to send students home because there was no running water.”

The decision was made to suspend classes because the fire sprinkler system would not have been able to operate with enough pressure in the event of a fire.

City crews were on site repairing the main and the water was turned back around around 2:30 p.m.

“The cause of the main break is still being determined,” said Rebecca Penz, engagement advisor for the City of Victoria. “However it was discovered that a tree root had wrapped itself around the water main which could have contributed to [it] breaking.”

Thankfully, the school had two previously scheduled field trips for the day, and students were given the choice whether to attend.

“Everything should be back to normal for school tomorrow,” McPhail said.

kristyn.anthony@vicnews.com