Bottled water flies off Jefferson City store shelves

From left, Jimmy Mickens, Tiffany Shurland and Kelis Smith, 5, head back to their car after buying a case of bottled water at Walmart. Many stores were struggling to keep water in stock because of the skyrocketing demand.
From left, Jimmy Mickens, Tiffany Shurland and Kelis Smith, 5, head back to their car after buying a case of bottled water at Walmart. Many stores were struggling to keep water in stock because of the skyrocketing demand.

Stores were struggling to keep bottled water on the shelves Tuesday as customers loaded their carts, unsure when their tap water would be safe again. Some customers had 10 or more 24-pack cases - enough to seemingly last well beyond the Dec. 21st prediction for the end of the world.

Jimmy Mickens left the Walmart at 724 W. Stadium Blvd., with a single 24-pack on his shoulder, but said he might return for more.

Accompanying him was Tiffany Shurland and 5-year-old Kelis Smith. "The school said don't drink the water, so we have to buy it," Shurland said.

That Walmart's shelves containing water were partially bare before noon, but it appeared like the store was restocking. Store officials at Walmart and Kmart declined to comment, referring a reporter to their corporate headquarters.

At Target and Schnuck's, the biggest demand was for water in jugs, which were nearly gone from both stores by midday. "But whatever water we've got, people are buying right now," said Boston Loveless, Target's executive team leader.