Fast response by University of Oregon custodians at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History kept damage from a leaking humidifier to a minimum Wednesday night.

Custodians from UO Campus Planning and Facilities Management were at the museum at 1680 E. 15th Ave. between 8 and 9 p.m. when a rooftop humidifier started to leak water into the building. The custodians quickly called a duty administrator who sent campus plumbers to shut off the water flow within 30 minutes of discovery. The custodians immediately worked to contain and remove water and protect museum artifacts and exhibits.

Potentially hundreds of gallons of water damaged about 150 feet of gypsum board wall finishes, about 6 feet above the floor. Around 400 square feet of ceiling drywall was affected, as well as several pieces of casework near the floor.

The affected areas included two rooms that are part of the Explore Oregon exhibit, as well as a boiler room, storage room, a hallway and the gift shop. No artifacts, collection materials or exhibit cases were affected by the incident.

It’s too soon for an accurate damage estimate, but a rough estimate is less than $20,000. Repairs should be done within a couple of weeks. The Explore Oregon exhibit will be closed until early next week.

UO Safety and Risk Services staff, who also responded, credited the fast response by the custodians, and the well-drilled emergency response plan, for limiting damage.

“Efforts by custodial staff made a minor event out of something that could have been so much more disastrous,” said Adam Jones, building sciences manager with UO Safety and Risk Services.