City Loses Thousands Of Gallons Of Water From Leak

PRAIRIE GROVE -- The city of Prairie Grove lost about 600,000 gallons of water at a cost of possibly $2,000 from a water break Friday at the corner of Cleveland and Neal streets, according to Larry Oelrich, director of public works and administrative services.

Oelrich said a fiber-optic contractor for PG Telco broke the line when a large water main was bored into Friday afternoon. Oelrich told members of Prairie Grove City Council on Monday night that city officials believe the break was an accident, not the fault of the contractor.

"It was an accident. It looks like we'll eat those costs," Oelrich said.

When the break occurred, the city conducted a call out to affected areas, contacted local television news companies and posted the information on its city of Prairie Grove Facebook page.

The break was repaired within four hours. Water was turned off for 398 customers.

The Arkansas Department of Health issued a precautionary boil order for the southside Prairie Grove city limits. The general area involved was south of Buchanan Street and east of Bagget Street.

Customers were advised to boil their water briskly for at least two hours before consuming. The boil order was still in effect Monday and Tuesday. Oelrich said he hoped it would be lifted on Wednesday. Samples were taken to the Health Department office in Little Rock on Monday and Tuesday.

General News on 05/23/2018