Livingston officials began pushing water again to the North Overton Utility District Friday afternoon.
Mayor Lori Elder-Burnett confirmed that tank levels have recovered sufficiently to begin restoring service to additional areas. While progress is being made on the infrastructure, the restoration process will require patience as the system gradually repressurizes.
“Well, we are happy to report that we have made some significant headway overnight,” Elder-Burnett said. “With recovery, with, we’ve out fixing leaks, still finding more leaks, but our tanks are getting to the point where we are able to open up the North Overton utility district again.”
A boil advisory remains in effect for all customers, though officials expect to have an update regarding specific districts Saturday morning. Elder-Burnett said North Overton customers who are home should open both hot and cold faucets to release air from the lines, provided they can monitor the flow.
“Where it is a process, so, they are initiating the process to begin sending water to the utility district, but just to make sure that, it’s done safely, it will, you know, it will be a bit slow and, you know, everybody will gradually get their water, but it may take a little time, so,” Elder-Burnett said.
Residents can access potable water at Hilham School, Allons School, and the East Clay Fire Department, with the household limit now increased to 20 gallons. The distribution site at Alpine has been closed because that area is not out of water.
“We did increase the limit to 20 gallons per household, but, if you can bring containers that are no larger than five gallons, that is great because they just get too heavy,” Elder-Burnett said.
The North Overton utility district is partnering with local churches to visit shut-ins and the elderly to provide drinking water and check on their needs. Additionally, bottled water distribution resumes at 4:00 PM at the industrial park at the old Berkline building.
“We are, our tanks are really doing much, much better, so we have fixed many, many leaks and we’re out still trying to make sure that we’re keeping that all tightened up, so we’re continuing to work for our customers and we want everybody to be back in the water as soon as possible,” Elder-Burnett said.
Crews remain in the field identifying and repairing leaks to maintain system pressure.
