The Centralia Correctional Center was placed on Level Two Lockdown as a result of water and sewer problems at the prison this week.
A spokesperson for IDOC Naomi Puzzello says as of Thursday a final assessment was being made of each toilet inside the facility to ensure all were functioning properly. She reports sewer backups that occurred on Wednesday had all been cleared. The sewer problems came after a waterline break was discovered early Tuesday evening that forced the water system to be shut down for repairs and a boil order to be issued. The boil order was lifted Friday morning.
Puzzello says bagged water was immediately dispersed to the housing units for individual consumption. After water service was restored Tuesday evening, plumbing issues began surfacing in six of the housing units. Additional maintenance staff was brought in from neighboring IDOC facilities to help find and access the issues.
The lockdown began on Wednesday morning when water began backing up into two of the housing units. Puzzello says all individuals in those locations were immediately relocated to another area of the facility while work continued to resolve the issue and mitigate operational disruptions. An outside plumbing service was contacted Wednesday to complete a high-pressure flush of the main water line.
Until the boil order was cleared, individuals were being provided bottled water. In addition, water is boiled, then once cooled, placed in five-gallon water coolers in all areas of the facility for individuals in custody as well as staff. When the lab determines all samples are satisfactory, the boil order will be lifted.
Puzzello says the wellness of the individuals in custody and staff in IDOC facilities is a top priority. More detailed updates will be provided as information becomes available.
