The city of Oklahoma City has issued a voluntary boil advisory, following a statewide Oklahoma DEQ recommendation for municipal water systems struggling with low pressure and service interruptions due to the cold weather.
The advisory was to remain in effect through the weekend. Officials said they were confident city water was safe.
"We have confidence our water is just as safe to drink as it has always been,” Utilities Department Director Chris Browning said. "But out of an abundance of caution, after consulting with DEQ, we think this voluntary advisory is appropriate."
Browning stressed the advisory primarily was aimed at areas that were without water service for an extended period.
The city of Oklahoma City has issued a voluntary boil advisory, following a statewide Oklahoma DEQ recommendation for municipal water systems struggling with low pressure and service interruptions due to the cold weather.
The advisory was to remain in effect through the weekend. Officials said they were confident city water was safe.
"We have confidence our water is just as safe to drink as it has always been,” Utilities Department Director Chris Browning said. "But out of an abundance of caution, after consulting with DEQ, we think this voluntary advisory is appropriate."
Browning stressed the advisory primarily was aimed at areas that were without water service for an extended period.
Ward 5 Councilman David Greenwell apologized Wednesday for a remark about "fried foods," made during a discussion of taxpayer support for a northeast Oklahoma City market and cafe, after a councilwoman said on Twitter the comment was racist.
The council was considering allocation of $560,000 in federal community development funds to Restore Food to open a grocery at 1708 NE 23 St. Intended to sell fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, the market will address the northeast-side's 'food desert.'
After introduction of the proposal, Greenwell asked about division of floor space among groceries and the restaurant.
Oklahoma City's water treatment plants are running at typical summer levels and nearing current capacity as residents take steps such as letting their faucets drip to keep pipes from freezing.
Low system pressures were being felt citywide.
Utilities Director Chris Browning said Wednesday the city was pumping 150 million gallons of water per day. Typical for this time of year is 80 million gallons.
Mayor David Holt urged residents to continue to conserve where they can take shorter showers, delay doing laundry while letting faucets drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
Browning recommended letting faucets run at a stream no more than the diameter of a pencil, and on outside walls, to conserve water.