Residents Without Water In Konawa For 2 Weeks

Adrianna Iwasinksi, News 9

KONAWA, Oklahoma – Many residents in the small town of Konawa are beyond frustrated after having no water for the past two weeks.

"I haven't had water for 14 days," said Tom Walker, a 70-year-old Konawa resident. "I have two grandchildren I am raising and had to spend $85 on a hotel just so we could take a bath. This is ridiculous!"

Konawa City Manager Rita Lopresto said four homes on the west side of town are still completely without water and many others are experiencing low water pressure. She said she understands residents' frustrations, but that they are still having trouble locating the leak.

"If I knew exactly where the issue is, I would fix it," said Lopresto, who's been the city manager for the past four years. "We had water main breaks and pipes burst all over town from the two winter storms. We've fixed several of them but we still have a problem."

Those with their own well, including the school, the city manager and a few others who live outside of town, are not affected by the water woes. But most people who live in town get their water through the city.

Lopresto said the city needs to redo all the lines in town, and there is an application with the USDA rural development division to do that. But she added that is an expensive venture and the city doesn't have the money to pay for that right now. Plus, it doesn't help their current situation.