Churches Fill Community Need During Drumright Water Shortage

The City of Drumright said its producing 600,000 gallons of water everyday and that’s not enough to keep up with demand. Area churches are now stepping in to help.

Drumright's City Manager believes the water crisis is a consumption issue verses a production problem. 

Bobby James is starting another week without water. 

"You could say it's a mess,” James said.  

He said the only information he has gotten from the City of Drumright is through Facebook, but not everyone has social media.  

"Better communication is what it should be. Better communication,” James said.  

Drumright Public School students are in distance learning this week while many businesses are temporarily closing to help conserve water. The city said even with lower water pressure, it is using every drop it produces. Retirees are out walking the water lines today looking for major leaks while city employees are fixing smaller ones.  

James said he just needs a set timeline and a shower.  

"After you melt the snow or take some of the water in the jugs you buy, pour it in the pan, warm it up a little bit and kind of sponge up. Other than that, no showers or bath or nothing," James said.  

The city is using technology to determine if homeowners have leaks, then shutting off customers' water if they find something. News On 6 was told Drumright is flying drones with infrared on Tuesday to look for bigger issues and a contractor is coming to the city’s two lowest producing wells for repairs to get them back online.  

Oak Grove Baptist Church is helping fill the need by offering free daily laundry services to first responders, teachers, and medical personnel until further notice.  

“When you have people hurting and in need or broken because of the weather or because of something else, I mean it's a great opportunity for us to come alongside and show Jesus to them. To reflect Jesus to where he meets us right there in our brokenness and our needs and he helps,” said Senior Pastor Jonathan Gilliland, Oak Grove Baptist Church. 

The church is currently limiting people to two loads per family. Each load will need to be in a bag and have your name on it. They said the clothes will not be folded but will be returned inside your bag, and you will be contacted once the load is finished.  

Pastor Gilliland said he is grateful to all the volunteers for making this mission possible, and said they are ready to help in any way they can. He said if residents have not been able to shower or need some fresh water, they are more than happy to accommodate. 

Drumright River of Life Church also spent the day helping the community and provided a free spaghetti lunch today for those without water.  

The city believes it will stay under low pressure for at least another week if not longer and “[apologizes] for what is far more than an inconvenience and is a life-threatening event.” 

For fresh drinking water, the city said to call 918-352-3131. The City Manager also told News On 6 they have ordered four portable toilets which are available next to the fire station near City Hall.