Running Water Restored To State Prison Near Hominy

 As of Saturday morning, running water has been fully restored at the Conner Correctional Center north of Hominy.

Prison officials say the facility is returning normal operations after they had to supply inmates with bottled water for the past week. 

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections says water levels in the 500,000-gallon water tower are being maintained and pressurized, allowing the facility to take the final steps to being fully operational. 

The prison in Osage County has experienced water problems since June 25, when a water line from the prison's water tower broke, leading to a series of water supply problems.

Officials say as a precaution, Oklahoma National Guard's tanker trucks will remain outside the prison until Sunday to ensure no additional assistance is needed.  

Interim Corrections Director Joe M. Allbaugh expressed gratitude and commended the efforts of several state and local agencies who helped restore water to the prison.

“This agency could not have done this alone. I am deeply appreciative of the all-hands-on-deck mentality from the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, Osage County Emergency Management and the City of Hominy, who have worked countless hours to ensure the facility was functioning and needs were met," said Joe Allbaugh.

7/1/2016 Related Story: DOC: Water Issues At Hominy Correctional Center To Be Resolved Soon