Altus Hires Company To Find Additional Water Sources

Altus leaders have approved a $109,000 contract for a Texas firm to seek additional water sources for the city.

The city wants a new source to reduce its dependence on the Tom Steed Reservoir in Kiowa County, which has served as the city's primary water source since the 1970s. The Lawton Constitution reports the city has implemented water-use restrictions because of dropping lake levels.

Outdoor watering is limited to one day per week and swimming pools can't be filled. The restrictions also require car washes to close one day per week.

The Altus City Council voted this week to award the contract to Freese and Nichols of Fort Worth. The city says one possible source is the Round Timber Well Field near the Red River in Wilbarger County, Texas