Minco residents under mandatory water restrictions due to clogged pipe

Minco, Oklahoma, is under mandatory water restrictions after a clogged pipe in the town’s water system caused parts of it to operate at less than 50% capacity.

“I just wish that we weren’t in this tight situation with the water supply here,” said Thelma Lara, a Minco resident.

The town held a special city meeting Thursday night to address the issue. Residents have been under water rationing measures for weeks, but the new restrictions mean outdoor gardens and plants are left at the mercy of the sun.

“My plants have taken a lot of, you know, money invested in my plants, and they’re dying. And I hate to see them die,” Lara said.

The problem lies in the pipe that pumps water from a nearby well to two towers in the town. Over time, sediment builds up in the pipe, requiring cleaning.

However, without an emergency reserve, city officials are concerned that cleaning the pipe could lead to a break, leaving the town unable to pump water.

“I mean, it’s something that if we have to, then, you know, they’re just plants. And I think we need to use our water more wisely,” Lara said.

Minco’s water supply has been further strained by recent fires and water line repairs, along with the ongoing dry weather and heat. The restrictions aim to prevent a catastrophe and ensure water is available for essential needs.

“I mean, there’s other things that we need water for that are more important, especially if in case there’s, like, a fire,” Lara said.

City officials said the water system made some progress overnight, but the restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future.