Columbia High School will continue to remain closed on Tuesday, October 6, after an internal water main break closed the school on Monday morning, October 5.
School officials announced via email shortly after 5 p.m. on Oct. 5 that the “maintenance team continues to work diligently to pump water from the basement” of the school, and that the school campus is without water service.
“Because water service has not yet been restored and the necessary work is still underway, Columbia High School will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6, for all students and staff,” read an email from the South Orange-Maplewood School District.
Village Green contacted both Maplewood Township and NJ American Water to ask if the break were outside the school and/or affecting other customers or residents.
An NJ American Water spokesperson responded, “We connected with local operations and confirmed that there have been no service interruptions in this area today.” Maplewood township staff reported, “The Township is not aware of a water main break near CHS that is effecting properties outside of CHS.”
Read the email communications from SOMSD below.
From 5:03 p.m. October 5, 2026:
Good evening, CHS Family and Staff,
We have just been informed that our maintenance team continues to work diligently to pump water from the basement at Columbia High School. Our team is working tirelessly and safely to address the situation and restore the building.
At this time, Columbia High School does not have water service. Because water service has not yet been restored and the necessary work is still underway, Columbia High School will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6, for all students and staff.
We will provide an additional update tomorrow morning as we continue to assess the building and the progress being made.
We sincerely apologize for the disruption this may cause for our students, families, and staff. We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding, and flexibility as we work through this unexpected situation and safely restore the building.
Thank you for your continued support of the CHS community.
South Orange Maplewood School District
At 7:41 a.m. October 5, 2026:
Dear Columbia High School Families,
Due to a severe water main break affecting Columbia High School, the building is currently without water. As a result, Columbia High School will be closed today.
Our Maintenance Department is aware of the situation and is currently on site working to assess the issue and determine the necessary repairs.
We understand that an emergency closure may cause an inconvenience for families and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to address this situation and ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
South Orange & Maplewood School District
