Water Problem Leaves Matthews High, Dry

Last spring and summer, work crews displaced more than 150 students while they renovated the interior of Matthews Hall.

Apparently, they missed one crucial detail: plumbing.

Students in Matthews said yesterday that despite the dorm's recent makeover, they have gone without hot water since Saturday. On the higher floors, students said there has been no running water at all during peak times.

"Man, are we pissed off," said Ezra W. Reese '97. "It's a brand new dorm, and they just renovated, and yet, there are these problems."

Reese, who lives on the fifth floor, said that he had had no water, hot or cold, on some days from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Despite five days of student complaints, the University did not issue an official response until yesterday, when Kathleen Bray, the superintendent of first-year dormitories, issued the students a letter apologizing for the problem and promising a quick response.

Bray was out of town yesterday and could not be reached for comment.

While some residents yesterday said they were getting sick of cold showers, others were more philosophical.

"It's just a problem. I'm not fed up yet," said Yung H. Chyung '97.

"It's not so bad, but I'm hoping they fix it soon," said Elizabeth Harman '97.