Unsafe Drinking Water Causes Headaches For McAlester Restaurants

The water is still unsafe to drink in parts of Pittsburg County after a water pump failure earlier this week.

The issue is forcing many restaurants to close and causing headaches for others trying to stay open.

Spaceship Earth Coffee is one of a few places open but there is a limited menu because of the ongoing water issues.

“That limits us when we’re selling water that we’re filtering through coffee beans,” said Adam Gronwald, owner.

Staff is having to boil water from gallon jugs and get ice from neighboring towns to keep going. Orders are taking longer than usual to complete because of the extra steps.

“Everybody who lives here is going through the same issues at their residence or somewhere that they shop,” said Gronwald. “So, they get it.”

The owner of Gordito’s Taqueria food truck said his business has been busier since most other places had to close.

“I’m expecting to sell out tonight if everything goes well,” said Giraldo Lee, owner.

Lee’s food truck is set up near the Cinco de Mayo block party. He loaded up on extra supplies in anticipation of a lot of people looking for a bite.

“Friday night, going out to eat is the main thing to do around here,” said Lee.

While water is flowing steadily in most parts of the town, the city said it will likely be Sunday at the earliest before it is deemed safe to drink.