MANSFIELD, Arkansas — The Mansfield mayor has announced that water has been restored for the majority of residents after nearly a week of issues.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 24, Mayor Buddy Black said about 90% of residents have their water back with the exception of around 10 to 15 houses on Freedom Road and the Rite of Passage Boys Camp. He said those residents should have their water restored by Thursday morning.
Residents have had their water disrupted for almost six days.
Last week's winter storm caused several problems across the area including a leak in the Mansfield Municipal water system, impacting hundreds of customers. This caused an emergency water shortage that led the Arkansas National Guard to respond.
Despite this, residents were not satisfied as they shared, they had to flush their toilets using pond water.
"We have not found a large leak yet, but we have found some smaller leaks. So, we had to start filling the tank and had to wait until the tank was full before we could start dispersing water throughout the rural community," said Mayor Black. "I know people have gotten frustrated. I've been frustrated myself but we're thankful that they have been patient with us. We've done the best that we can."
"We've distributed I'd say just shy of 2,000 gallons since we've been here since this past Saturday. Everyone comes in throwing up various containers," said Sgt. Tyler Hutton for the Arkansas National Guard. "They come to get water to drink, bathe, animals, a lot of people around here have farm animals that need water as well."
The mayor said the six-inch waterline running 12 miles long is almost filled all the way. He says he's hopeful that all residents have their water restored by "end of today or at the latest tomorrow morning."
"We're going to take extra precautions, going moving forward," said Mayor Black.
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