I agree, do not drive the car anymore!
The water pump is used to move water around the engine to cool it down.
If the water pump stops working, then the engine has no way to cool down and can eventually seize (metal melting w/ metal). Not a good thing!
If you have AAA, or a towing option on your insurance, then this is the time to use it (unless you plan on doing the work yourself).
It might be possible to drive a short distance (like to a mechanic), but that is a risk that you will have to assess yourself. If you do, then put the heat on high (this will remove some of the heat from the engine), and watch the temperature gauge. If the temperature goes into the red zone, then pull over and let it cool down.
96 Contour SE
Duratec V6 24-valve 2.5L ATX
108,000 mi.
Replaced: crankshaft w/ DMD, EGR valve (clogged), EVR, DPFE, PCV valve, evap emissions hose & tube (cracked), window regulator (broken), LH & RH PCV tubes, UIM gasket (leak), ignition coil
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