Full Notification

WATER EMERGENCY UPDATE – MORNING BRIEFING

(02/25/2025)

We regret to share some unfortunate news regarding the ongoing water emergency. Due to setbacks and new infrastructural hurdles that emerged overnight, we will not meet our initial goal of restoring water service by Wednesday, February 26.

After careful evaluation and consultation with contractors, consultants, and both past and present Tonkawa officials, we have determined that water services will likely not be fully restored until Saturday, March 1. Again, this is an estimation based on the calculations we are observing at this present time.

This is not the outcome we wanted, and we understand the hardship this will place on our community. However, this decision was made with safety, health, infrastructure integrity, and equipment preservation in mind.

New Challenges & Response Efforts

- Tonkawa Water Department crews are actively addressing newly discovered issues in our system. You may see officials working in alleyways, streets, and properties checking water meters and performing necessary repairs. This is a normal part of their response efforts.

-  Please do not manipulate your water meters as this will only hinder their efforts and violate Tonkawa Code (Tonkawa Ordinance No. 2024-07-02).

-  This is a developing and active situation, and we are diverting all efforts to resolve these issues as quickly and safely as possible.

-  Please conserve attempts to address water employees as they have prescribed objectives to complete, today, to keep us on track with our restoration schedule.

Water Availability & Distribution Updates

-  Potable water trailers continue to be refilled and remain available for public use.

-  Bottled water distribution sites remain stocked, with additional shipments scheduled to arrive.

-  Home delivery of bottled water is still available for those unable to travel to a distribution site. If you need delivery, please call the Tonkawa Police Department at (580) 628-2516 or the Tonkawa City Offices at (580) 628-2508.

-  A large tank of non-potable water is being delivered to the CO-OP Lot (Old Public Works Bond) near E. North Ave. and N. 6th St. This water is for toiletry and non-consumable use only.

Community Impact & Next Steps

-  We understand that this delay will have significant effects on various businesses and Daycare Facilities, Long-Term Care Facilities etc.

-  Tonkawa Public Schools and Northern Oklahoma College – Tonkawa campus regarding lesson plans and curriculum. We encourage students, staff, and faculty to monitor official updates from school officials.

-  Our new operational plan is structured to address the current issues, overcome obstacles, and ensure a stable restoration of service by the new target date.

-  While this setback is frustrating, we remain committed to transparency, accountability, and prioritizing the well-being of Tonkawa residents.

-  We will continue to provide real-time updates throughout the day as new information becomes available.

Please continue to monitor the following for the latest updates:

-  City of Tonkawa Facebook Page

-  Tonkawa Emergency Management Facebook Page

-  Tonkawa Nixle Alerts (Text TONKAWA to 888777)

-  City of Tonkawa Website (tonkawaok.gov)

We appreciate your continued patience, resilience, and community support as we work through this challenge together.

#TonkawaTogether #WaterEmergency #CommunityStrong

 

Instructions:

WATER EMERGENCY - MORNING BRIEFING UPDATE.