CATAWISSA — A leaky water line closed school early today for Southern Columbia students, but school officials are hopeful the problem will be fixed by tomorrow.

The water problem was detected late morning, and school maintenance workers thought they could correct it, said school district superintendent Paul Caputo.

But the leak had already drained reserve tanks used by the elementary center, and workers were unable to get enough water pressure back in the pipes by midday.

So it was decided to dismiss all students by 2 p.m., some 50 minutes earlier than normal, Caputo said.

“We had well issues last year, and a new well for the elementary center is being drilled. They were able to work off the well at the high school, and we should be able to refill those reserve tanks by morning,” Caputo said.

Parents of all students were notified of the early dismissal by a phone messaging system at 12:30 p.m.

No cafeteria or lunch programs were affected by the water pressure problem.

But rather than escorting youngsters from the elementary school to the high or middle schools to use restrooms through the afternoon, it was better to send everyone home early, Caputo said.

Caputo said workers were also trying to determine what caused the leak in the line that started the problem.

School is expected to start at the usual time Wednesday. But if any water problems persist, Caputo said parents will be notified in the morning of any class scheduling changes.