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The Kay County town of Tonkawa continues to face a water crisis as city leaders announced late yesterday that water service restoration will be delayed until Saturday. The city initially aimed to restore service by Wednesday, but setbacks and infrastructure issues have caused delays.
According to KFOR, arctic temperatures last week led to multiple line breaks and a collapsed city well. Tonkawa City Manager Nick Payne explained that a glitch in the water monitoring system also contributed to the problem. "The level in the [water] tower was dropping significantly fast," Payne noted, despite meters indicating otherwise.
During a town hall meeting, Payne reassured residents that crews are working around the clock to resolve the issues. "Some people think that maybe we haven’t been doing enough," he said. "I have spent more time under this pavilion right now than I’ve spent in my house this week." He emphasized the city's commitment to transparency and keeping the community informed.
Potable water trailers are available for public use, and bottled water delivery is offered for those unable to travel. Non-potable water is accessible at the CO-OP lot for toiletry use. Residents are encouraged to conserve water and avoid manipulating water meters to aid repair efforts.
The city is providing real-time updates through notifications and social media. Despite the crisis, Payne assured that utility rates would not be affected, and infrastructure improvements are underway to prevent future incidents. Once water service is restored, a boil water advisory will remain until testing confirms safety.