'Do Not Use Water' Order Issued For Some Residents In McAlester

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) says it has issued a 'Do Not Use Water Order' for the McAlester Public Works Authority (PWA).

Residents in McAlester are being advised not to drink or use water in the city due to the potential for contamination, according to the DEQ.

The DEQ says it advised the McAlester Public Works Authority to inform users not to use the water after "loss of pressure and the emergency use of non-standard equipment" resulted in the potential for contamination.

The DEQ Says anyone who gets water from the McAleaster PWA should not use it for "consumption, food preparation, dishwashing, brushing teeth, or handwashing."

According to the DEQ, the following water systems purchase water from McAlester PWA and are also under the do not use order: 

1. Pittsburg Co. RWD 9
2. Pittsburg Co. RWD 6
3. Pittsburg Co. RWD 7
4. Pittsburg Co. RWD 16
5. Pittsburg Co. RWD 5

The DEQ says residents will be advised when they are again able to drink and use water.

This is a developing story, stay with News On 6 for the latest updates.