Flooding causes water shortage at San Quentin prison

SAN QUENTIN, Calif. - A number of people incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison have been enduring a water shortage for the past couple of days following flooding incidents within the prison premises. 

Corrections officials reported that water entered the facility from outside on Saturday morning, affecting two of the prison's housing areas and 1,698 inmates. On Tuesday, officials said the number of inmates impacted in the prisons' East Block had decreased to 411. 

In response, prison authorities have been escorting inmates to alternative shower and restroom facilities located in other areas of the prison. Additionally, water dispensers have been placed on every floor to provide inmates with drinking water.

As a consequence of the flooding, some of the prison's outdoor programs were temporarily suspended. The impacted programs aim to offer recreational and rehabilitative activities for the incarcerated individuals. Officials said the prison yard program resumed on Tuesday. 

Restoration of running water within the affected housing areas should also be completed sometime Tuesday, according to an onsite contractor, officials said.