For Immediate Release:  May 4, 2023

Contact:  Erin Hatfield, (405) 437-8468

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has advised the McAlester PWA, located in Pittsburg County, to inform users of its drinking water not to use the water. The water is not to be used for consumption, food preparation, dishwashing or brushing teeth. The water may be used for handwashing and showering. It is recommended that consumers use bottled water or water from another source. This order was issued due to the potential for contamination following the loss of pressure and the emergency use of non-standard equipment.

The following water systems purchase water from McAlester PWA, and therefore are also under the do not use order:

• Pittsburg Co. RWD 9
• Pittsburg Co. RWD 6
• Pittsburg Co. RWD 7
• Pittsburg Co. RWD 16
• Pittsburg Co. RWD 5

If a water customer is unsure which water system supplies their water, the customer should check their water bill.

Residents will be notified when the water is considered safe for human consumption. Federal law requires that consumers be notified when a public water supply exceeds certain maximum contaminant levels and might be harmful to the health of consumers.

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