Several days of below-freezing temperatures across the state are causing water issues for multiple cities as Arkansas begins to thaw out. Throughout the week, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management in coordination with the Governor’s office has been assisting and facilitating help in these communities.
In Phillips County, a water shortage due to a water pump failure has impacted 8,000 to 9,000 residents. The Arkansas National Guard (ANG) has deployed a Water Hippo (2,000 gallons) to support the county. The Hippo was in place at 10 p.m. on Thursday.
The City of Thornton in Calhoun County has had a water pump malfunction. ANG has responded with a Water Buffalo (400 gallons) to assist.
In White County, the Pangburn water storage tank pump failed, impacting 2,600 residents. Five pallets of water have been delivered by the local emergency coordinator.
A significant water line in the City of Mansfield in Sebastian County ruptured, impacting 1,500 people, including the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center. ANG is assisting with placing a Water Hippo at the Mansfield City Complex.
In Stone County, heavy rain, snow, and freezing temperatures damaged the system’s intake structure. Convoy of Hope, the Foodbank of North Central Arkansas, the Mountain View Fire Department, and Arkansas State Police have assisted with 33 pallets of water and a 1,000-gallon tank drop-off.
High demands on the water supply in the city of Sparkman in Dallas County are causing low water issues. ANG delivered a Water Buffalo for the town.
The City of Fulton in Hempstead County is operational but under a boil order. Five pallets of water have arrived to assist those who need fresh water.
Many other cities and communities across the state are under a boil order. The Arkansas Department of Health has a list of all the impacted water systems that are a current boil order here.
