Full Notification

02/23/2025
UPDATE ON WATER SYSTEM STATUS

We sincerely apologize for the delayed update, today. The events of this morning and this afternoon have been extremely fluid. Changes to operational and logistical strategies have changed, minute-to-minute, in some cases. We did not want to distribute bad or delayed information. Basically, because the precautionary measures we had suggested were still to be observed. We have now developed a strategy to remedy this water crisis.

We regret to inform the community that all of the measures we have taken, in an attempt to remedy this water emergency have been met with negative results. Attempts to conserve water did not have the impact that we needed to regain optimum levels in our system.

NEW EMERGENCY MEASURES EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Effective immediately, there will be low water pressure throughout town to help recuperate water levels in our basins, towers, and standpipes.
All businesses that can shut down should do so immediately. There will not be a sufficient amount of water for businesses to meet operational needs, so closure is highly recommended. This will ensure compliance with health regulations and maintain fire suppression systems (life and safety).
Residential customers must continue strict water conservation efforts. This will directly aid in our system’s recovery. Failure to do so will result in longer recuperation times. Our estimation for our system's recuperation is approximately Wednesday 02/26/2025. However, this is the best scenario. Limited conservation efforts will only further delay this process.
Tonkawa Public Schools will be closed until Wednesday due to health and safety concerns. This will allow our water system to return to nominal levels, again, assuming best-case conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ORDER ISSUED

The City of Tonkawa has implemented a precautionary boil order.

We regret having to take this measure and fully understand the burden it places on residents and businesses. However, we have exhausted all other remedies in addressing this emergency.

We have been in contact with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), various contractors, and the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management in our efforts to stabilize the system. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, our recovery has not been sufficient.
We are confident that best-case scenario, our system will recover by Wednesday morning. However, this is entirely dependent on customers continuing to conserve water. If conservation efforts are not followed, recovery will take longer.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND NEXT STEPS

The key takeaways remain the same as our last update:

- The water system remains in a critical state and requires immediate conservation efforts.

- The water remains safe to drink; the boil order is precautionary.

- The crisis was caused by a combination of environmental, mechanical, and technological factors.

- The next two days (until Wednesday) are crucial for system recovery.

- Additional support from emergency management agencies and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Equality is in place if needed.

- Tonkawa Water Crews will continue to address leaks, as they are discovered.

- The City of Tonkawa is coordinating efforts to have more bottled water delivered to be offered to our residents.  We will update the distribution location(s) and procedures within the coming hours.

WHAT'S NEXT

We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Please stay tuned to the Nixle Alert System, City of Tonkawa Social Media Platforms, and the city website for real-time updates.

We will post links, soon, that provide boil order techniques.

Instructions:

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ORDER IN PLACE, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Please follow updates on this Nixle Alert System, Tonkawa Facebook Page, Tonkawa Emergency Management Facebook Page, and the Tonkawa City Website.