Oklahoma State Capitol Complex Closed Due Water Main Break, Intense Heat

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State offices closed early Monday due to water main breaks that have shut off air conditioning in the State Capitol complex, and affected customers across Oklahoma City.

John Richard, the Director of the Department of Central Services, says there's not enough water pressure to operate air cooling systems or restroom facilities in the State Capitol complex, so state offices are being closed. The extreme heat also limited computer system capabilities.

Agencies began sending employees home at noon. Richard also recommended all non-essential equipment be completely shut down. DCS workers are trying to prevent temperatures from rising to critical levels so buildings can return to normal working conditions as soon as possible after the problem is fixed.

The 60-inch water pipe broke early Sunday morning. Customers downtown, and in northeast and northwest Oklahoma City have been affected. Oklahoma City has issued a temporary watering ban, and is asking residents and businesses in the affected areas to turn off sprinklers.

Oklahoma City is working on the water problem and says full water pressure should be restored Tuesday evening.