Small Oklahoma Town Fights For Water

Elmore City in Garvin County is fighting for water. The city says it needs a new treatment plant, but it's stuck in a waiting game.

Tuesday, July 5th 2011, 5:56 pm

By: News 9

Gan Matthews, News 9

ELMORE CITY, Oklahoma -- Since it closed its old water treatment plant in 2003, Elmore City has bought two-thirds of its water from Pauls Valley. During that time period, the price of water to customers has increased over five fold, making the price one of the highest in the state.

The Mayor thinks it's time to reopen the plant.

"We need our own water, so we can do our own thing." said Mayor Larry Cleveland.

Reopening the plant will cost half a million dollars. Elmore City plans to put up $200,000, pay the balance with grants, and have the plant operational in a year.

But Elmore City resident Billy Mercer is skeptical. "They had a master plan for the last fifteen years," Mercer said. "And we ain't got nothing no better."