Water pipe burst in IGS sports hall: extent of damage still unclear!
The IGS Wilhelmshaven hall remains closed until further notice after a burst water pipe. The extent of damage and effects are unclear.

Water pipe burst in IGS sports hall: extent of damage still unclear!
In the sports hall of the Integrated Comprehensive School (IGS) Wilhelmshaven, which is located on Friedenstrasse, drying work is still underway after a burst water pipe that occurred on May 21st. Due to the burst pipe, the hall has been shut down for more than a month, and the extent of the damage remains unclear even after this time. City spokeswoman Julia Muth explained that water is still accumulating in the hall in quantities that can be pumped out. It only makes sense to remedy the situation once the extent of the damage has been determined, for which the hall floor is currently being opened in several places to promote drying and to carry out investigations.
What are the consequences for school operations and club sports? Classes in secondary school I had to be canceled since May 22, 2025, while emergency care was set up for grades five and six. Oral Abitur examinations and study days for the upper level took place as planned. To counteract the inconvenience of the water damage, mobile toilets were organized and lunch provisions were also to be ensured. Finally, the municipal company GGS discovered that the changing areas and showers had already been successfully drained, while the area under the hall floor was still filled with water.
Drying measures and challenges
Pumping out and drying the water is complex. The effects on the hall floor and the substructure remain unclear until they are completely dry. The Wilhelmshaven fire department supported the initial measures to clear the water, but the exact costs and duration of the closure have yet to be determined. The North Frost Arena remains unaffected by the damage, which indicates a certain relief for club sports.
In such cases, immediate action is crucial to avoid consequential damage. Experts recommend switching off the water supply immediately in the event of damage and, if necessary, applying emergency seals. Opening windows can also help exchange moist air for dry air, weather permitting. As shown in this case, it is essential to investigate and eliminate possible microbial contamination, as it can occur after improper drying. In order to make the drying process effective, targeted investigations and a risk assessment are required.
The city administration is optimistic that the necessary measures will help to quickly return the hall to a usable condition, even if the exact duration of the restrictions remains uncertain. A comprehensive look at storage and drying estimation will ensure that future water damage can be avoided.NWZ Onlinereports that the city is continuing to work on various scenarios in order to be able to quickly bring school and club sports back to the usual hall. Further information on drying technology and the recommended measures can be found on ibo.at, where detailed advice on the necessary steps is given.