Residents on the west side of Guthrie experienced low or no water pressure throughout Friday as City of Guthrie crews scrambled to locate an elusive water leak responsible for the disruption.
The issue was first reported shortly before 6 a.m., but despite hours of searching, no surface leak was visible. City crews, along with assistance from Logan County Emergency Management, canvassed lines within city limits as well as lines extending toward Langston and Coyle. A drone was even deployed in an attempt to identify the source, but efforts came up empty.
Eventually, crews narrowed the problem down to two main water lines near Cottonwood Flats. It is believed that one of these lines is broken, but the suspected break remains submerged under the high water levels of the Cottonwood Creek, which have risen after recent heavy rains. The city must now wait for water levels to recede before full repairs can be made.
In the interim, a valve on the affected line has been turned off, allowing water pressure to slowly return across the west side. However, the sudden pressure buildup caused a secondary water line break at 18th and Logan, which city workers quickly repaired.
To further complicate the issue, the water tower at 19th Street and Harrison was recently drained for maintenance, putting additional strain on the system. Fortunately, areas such as Cotteral Elementary School and Mercy Hospital were able to maintain service due to the nearby Job Corps water tower.
City crews continue to monitor the situation closely and plan to complete permanent repairs once river conditions allow.
Be the first to comment on "Water pressure restored on Guthrie’s west side after beleived elusive leak beneath river floodwaters"