Hundreds of Buffalo State students without hot water

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — About 650 Buffalo State University students have been without hot water for a week.

Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications Geoffrey Nason said crews are repairing its underground steam system to restore hot water to the four dorms.

Isabella Ferguson, a student, said she’s been showering at a friend’s room because the shower trailers brought in by the university are “gross.”

“They actually said it was the students’ responsibility to clean it,” Ferguson said. “It’s a huge pain. It’s completely unfair and there is no security around it.”

In addition, she said the shower stalls, which she described as a shower inside a portable toilet, were not safe without nearby security. She said no key is required to access them.

“Students have reported seeing homeless going into these trailers,” said another student who asked not to be identified.

University officials also opened Perry Hall for students to take showers, but Ferguson said they are are a good walk away.

Five hundred people signed her petition.

“I want to be very clear: students pay close to $6,000 to live on campus,” Ferguson said on her petition. “When a student makes a mistake, the university is quick to issue fines or punishments. Where is their accountability now? Will students be reimbursed for paying to live in conditions that are clearly below standard?”

A parent, who did not want to be identified, said the kitchen is also without hot water.

“The food offerings are limited because of lack of hot water,” the parent said. “You can see the shower trucks as you drive by. My kid doesn’t want to use the shower trucks.”

University officials have not provided a timeline for when all rooms will be back online with hot water.

“Water in the remaining impacted buildings remains safe to use,” Nason said. “As repairs continue, we are listening to residents’ concerns and working to accommodate those requests.”