The city of Columbia's water infrastructure may be showing its age

COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) -- We may not see them, but underground there is a lot going on when it comes to infrastructure.

From water lines to sewage lines, as well as pipes that make sure water drains to prevent flooding when there is a lot of rain.

A City water department official says the age of those water pipes underground may be showing their age.

“We do have some older infrastructure and we are systematically going through a process of cataloging the age of those assets, looking at the condition of those assets and then rehabilitating or replacing those assets." says Clint Shealy.

Last week, two major water supply lines were affected. Officials say one on Trenholm Road buckled because a drain line settled on top of it causing it to break. The water main is at least 60 years old, according to officials.

Another water main sprung a major leak when fiber optic contractors drilled into the pipe, causing a major leak.

"Anytime there’s a lot of development happening, a lot of structure going on, our infrastructure is vulnerable to being impacted by folks that are digging. These things happen," Shealy said.

More demand on an older infrastructure can only intensify the weaknesses in the system.

“Hard freezes and high intensity rain events can create struggles for us. And certainly, when you got into a drought condition and people are using a lot more water, then that stresses our infrastructure as well," according to Shealy.

The city uses $80-120 million dollars a year for upgrades and improvements to the water infrastructure for City of Columbia water customers.