Vineland hospital cancels some procedures due to water-supply problem
VINELAND — Problems maintaining pressure in municipal water lines have forced Inspira Medical Center Vineland to cancel elective procedures, the hospital system confirmed Friday.
“Everyone in our area can help improve the well-being of our patients by reducing their water usage." Inspira President Amy Mansue said.
She also expressed gratitude to Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci "for his collaboration, leadership and support."
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City spokesman Mike Tofanelli said the distribution system has begun to stabilize and projected consumers will start seeing improvement Friday evening.
According to the hospital, water pressure fluctuated at lower-than-normal levels Thursday night.
"We postponed our elective procedures in an abundance of caution until the water supply is stabilized," Skiffington said. "We have obtained water tankers, and they are on-site for supplemental use. These proactive steps allow us to prioritize essential medical services and maintain a dependable water supply for all patients.
"Those patients that are impacted by these changes will be contacted by their healthcare provider's office to reschedule appointments accordingly," Skiffington said.
"We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.," she said.
Vineland earlier in the week asked residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption, citing heavy demand during a heat wave and a lack of rain.
"In our case, there was a rapid spike in usage between Tuesday and Wednesday, likely caused by a surge in outdoor water use such as watering lawns, filling pools, washing cars, and more," Tofanelli said.
“Contrary to some rumors, there is not a water main break, and the utility is not intentionally reducing water pressure,” Tofanelli said. “The problem is strictly the result of extraordinarily high customer demand, which resulted in reduced water pressure and the appearance of discolored water caused by sediment stirred up in the storage tanks, which can occur when levels are extremely low. This discoloration is the same phenomenon that takes place during water main and fire hydrant cleansing periods.”
Tofanelli said city pumps are at full capacity, providing over 12,592,800 gallons every 24 hours and the distribution system has begun to stabilize.
“In the meantime, we still need the help of all residents and businesses in reducing their water consumption wherever possible until further notice,” he said.
This story was updated.
Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Vineland hospital confirms water-supply woes restricting service
