We continue to identify and explore strategies for dealing with the Metro Water problems caused by the flood. We are all incredibly grateful to our Plant Ops workers and Residence Life staff for their success in addressing toilet problems in many of our residence halls. In addition, Beaman remains open all night for student use through Monday.
While there has been modest improvement in the conservation efforts across the city, it remains a top priority to conserve water. As good community members, of both Belmont’s campus and the broader Nashville area, we can all do our part to contribute to our city’s recovery from the flood. Metro Water is asking every citizen to cut their water consumption in half. The water, which is safe, should be used for health and hygiene needs only.
In addition to our conservation efforts, Belmont has launched a new Web site to connect students, faculty and staff to additional resources to provide aid to our community. Individuals can find information for donating time, money and goods to benefit families who have experienced loss. To contribute or sign up for volunteer efforts, click here or email respond@Belmont.edu.

Campus officials continue to monitor the water pressure situation, and there has been no significant change from what was communicated this morning. Please continue to observe the guidelines for water conservation issued earlier.
With exams starting Thursday, we’d also like to remind you that the library is open until 12:30 a.m. and the Beaman is open all night.
We ask for everyone’s help and patience as we work together to complete the academic year.

Campus officials continue to monitor the water pressure situation and are in communication with Metro Water in order to take appropriate actions.
As of this morning, Metro Water’s system pressure continues to be an issue on campus, and restroom facilities in campus buildings and residence halls are not functioning consistently, especially on higher floors. In an effort to improve the situation, the university will be selectively limiting or reducing some water services or directing the campus population to other restroom facilities. We ask for everyone’s help and patience as we work together to remedy the current water pressure situation within our community.
Here are some additional guidelines for dealing with water pressure issues:
1) Only use restrooms on the lowest level of any building. In residence facilities, we encourage students to use public restrooms on lower floors or share the private restrooms of lower floors’ residents. Restrooms and shower facilities on the first floor of the Beaman Student Life Center will continue to be available 24/7 to any students who would like to use them.
2) If you are using a flush-valve system (i.e. one where a tank is not present), activate the lever and hold it for several seconds three times to maximize the ability of the water to flush. If in a residence hall or apartment with a tank toilet, please allow plenty of time for the tank to re-fill before flushing again.
3) Finally, please remember that all of Davidson County is being asked by Mayor Karl Dean to use only half of their normal water consumption. Today’s Tennessean offered additional information on the water issues and ways to conserve: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100505/NEWS01/5050370/Shortage+is+likely+if+residents+don+t+conserve+water
Thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation as we all attempt to address the impact of this weekend’s flood. This is an ongoing situation, and we will continue to update you with any new developments.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, along with U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, announced at a press conference this evening that Davidson County is one of four counties in Tennessee that will be receiving federal disaster relief funds to aid in rebuilding efforts from the area’s worst-ever flood.
The press conference, which was held in Belmont’s Beaman Student Life Center, also emphasized again the importance for water conservation as Middle Tennessee begins the recovery process.
Belmont is responding to the water conservation mandate by activating the following measures:
– Belmont’s cafeteria will be switching to paper products to avoid using dishwashers.
– All campus water features and irrigation have been turned off.
– Captured flood water is being recycled for use to cool Belmont’s air conditioning system.
– Residents are being encouraged to take shorter showers and to not use laundry facilities at this time.
– All students, faculty and staff are being asked to support Nashville’s water conservation efforts by making appropriate choices.
Please continue to monitor Belmont.edu and MyBelmont for additional updates.

At this time Belmont’s campus is functioning, and the scattered interruptions of power that were being experienced are being addressed. In addition, Belmont’s Plant Operations team has been hard at work today to improve the air conditioning issues across campus and have developed a process to use recycled flood water to cool Belmont’s systems. Thanks to these efforts, the temperature in most Belmont buildings should be improving.
However, the water pressure situation appears to be degrading on campus due to issues with the Metro Water system, which are impacting plumbing in many buildings particularly on higher floors. Campus officials continue to assess this situation and are in communication with Metro Water in order to make appropriate decisions.
In response to these issues we are opening the Beaman Student Life Center 24/7 so that additional restrooms and shower facilities will be available to residents. Additional security and maintenance will be present on campus to support and provide additional services.
In addition, here are some guidelines for dealing with the water pressure issues:
1) Only use restrooms on the lowest level of any building. Restrooms and shower facilities on the first floor of the Beaman Student Life Center will be available 24/7 to any students who would like to use them.
2) If you are using a flush-valve system (i.e. one where a tank is not present), activate the lever and hold it for several seconds three times to maximize the ability of the water to flush. If in a residence hall or apartment with a tank toilet, please allow plenty of time for the tank to re-fill before flushing again.
3) Finally, please remember that all of Davidson County is being asked by Mayor Karl Dean to use only half of their normal water consumption due to the flooding of a water treatment plant that services Nashville.
Please keep in mind that this is an ongoing situation, and we will continue to update you with any new developments.

Campus Update, May 4
Parts of Nashville have been devastated by recent floods, and many people have lost their homes and livelihoods. We are grateful that Belmont’s campus has escaped the worst of these destructive storms, but we are experiencing a series of inconveniences that have occurred since our last communication yesterday. These include interruptions in power, water pressure and air conditioning at some locations across campus.
The health and safety of Belmont students continues to be our highest concern and has not been compromised at this time. Nashville’s water supply is currently safe for drinking, and we remain in contact with city officials about the condition of the water supply. Here’s an update on each of the issues Belmont is now working on:
Water
Campus is experiencing water pressure problems. The source of the problem is in the Metro Water services system, and we’re working with them to address this issue. However, in the meantime, the campus community is asked to follow these guidelines when flushing campus toilets. 1) Only use restrooms on the lowest level of any building you are in. 2) If you are using a flush-valve system (i.e. one where a tank is not present), activate the lever and hold it for several seconds three times to maximize the ability of the water to flush. If in a residence hall or apartment with a tank toilet, please allow plenty of time for the tank to re-fill before flushing again. 3) Finally, please remember that all of Davidson County is being asked by Mayor Karl Dean to use only half of their normal water consumption due to the flooding of a water treatment plant that services Nashville.
Air
The lack of water pressure is also affecting air conditioning Jack and Barbara Massey, Freeman, Fidelity, Maple, Wheeler, Hitch and the library. Though air handlers are continuing to circulate air, they are not cooling these buildings.
Power
Since yesterday’s restoration of power across campus, there have been scattered interruptions in power service have emerged and are being addressed.
Campus officials are continuing to monitor the situation and will update the Belmont community later today with any new developments. Please keep in mind that Nashville is experiencing a disaster of unprecedented proportions. This situation is changing on an hourly basis, and Belmont is working hand-in-hand with Metro officials to stay on top of the issues as they arise. While our campus is certainly facing certain inconveniences at the moment, Belmont’s campus is safe. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we all do our best to recover from the floods.