OKC tackles the issue of water main breaks
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - There have been ongoing water main break problems in Oklahoma City.
The city expects to have 600 to 800 water main breaks in a typical year.
In the last fiscal year alone, there were more than 1,100. This period ended on June 30.
OKC Utilities says it's not water pressure; more breaks are happening in Northwest OKC, where water pressure is lower than in other parts of the metro.
The fault lies in the decade-old pipes and Oklahoma's red dirt with clay.
According to the City, the Utilities Department has doubled its capital funding towards water line replacements from what has been $10 million yearly to $20 million, starting this fiscal year, running from July 1 through June 30, 2026. There are also plans in place to further it to $30 million in the 2027 FY.
They say they will continue to monitor and assess break trends around the city, prioritize replacements where infrastructure is the weakest, among other duties, which are listed below.
- Repair and install water lines using corrosion-resistant materials
- Maintain service and safety standards
- Operate pressure within the required and appropriate ranges
- Respond quickly when emergencies arise
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