Due to the extreme weather conditions over the past two weeks, there have been numerous main line leaks throughout the City of Henryetta.
Due to the extreme weather conditions over the past two weeks, there have been numerous main line leaks throughout the City of Henryetta.
Area residents and businesses who are on city water were urged to conserve water and check for possible leaks leading up to Feb. 21.
City water tanks and towers were completely emptied Saturday morning, forcing city crews to shut off water to the area. It was estimated that water lines would be opened on Monday morning.
Despite dangerous sub-zero temperatures, crews worked in 24-hour shifts, continuing to repair line breaks and going door-to-door checking meters.
City of Henryetta Mayor Jennifer Munholland kept area residents up-to-date with several posts on Facebook.
“From the period of Feb. 16 through Feb. 23, we have shut off roughly 140 residential and commercial meters showing an average usage of 15- to 35-gallons per minute,” Mayor Munholland said.
“This equals 2,100 to 4,900 gallons per minute of treated water. We have also repaired various main line leaks throughout the system.”
On Friday, city crews repaired five four-inch main lines that averaged 200- to 300-gallons of water per minute.”
It was reported that over the course of the week, city crews were only able to have about 24 hours of time at home.
“We are thankful for their tremendous dedication!” Mayor Munholland said.
Monday morning, water began to flow to city residents and businesses with a precautionary boil order in place until March 5.
In an update on Tuesday, it was announced the Henryetta Water Plant was running at full capacity and crews were able to keep the water tower full.
Rural customers started to see water flow on Wednesday.
Area fire departments provided tankers for potable water and provided drinking water to citizens throughout the week.
“We owe the success and thanks to Interim City Manager Donna White, Public Works Director Ron Casey, Water Superintendent Jason Gold, Fire Chief David Bullard, Police Chief Steve Norman, ALL the city crews as well as most citizens that pulled together as we always do to ensure that Henryetta is the best it can be,” Mayor Munholland said.
An abundance of appreciation flowed throughout social media to all the city crews for their tireless dedication.
Some of the comments included:
“Kudos to all who ventured out into the frozen wasteland to fix the pipes.” - Brenda Dodson
“Yes, thank you to all the city workers that worked tirelessly through this frigid event. Also, thank you to our Mayor for continuing to update us on the progress being made.” - Kim Moore
“So grateful for each person who has been involved with restoring the water services. Thank you!!” - Susan Marler
“Thank you crews for all your hard work. Thank you to your families. Of the crew, you went without the most - the water and your loved ones. Bless you all!” - Michel Culp
Staff of the Henryetta Free-Lance would also like to express sincere appreciation to all of the city crews for their unwaving commitment to the community.