Monticello Live

FREE FILL DIRT at the DREW COUNTY LANDFILL.

WE LOAD – YOU HAUL.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 870367-4258 OR 870-740-0497

Since the single-digit temperatures, early last week, the city of Wilmar has been battling a water shortage, along with a still-in-effect boil order.

We spoke with the city water office, and as of the middle of this week, they are hoping to have the 190,000 gallon city water tank back to its regular full status by Friday.

As we understand it, no large water leaks were found, but several smaller ones were located, usually on residential property.

Residents are still being asked to conserve water, where possible. An example would be not washing cars or other large used activities.

The “overnight outages“ were discontinued several nights ago.

Between 10 and 11 AM, the National Guard delivered a 800 gallon portable water tank to the Wilmar Community Center, for water customers to get bulk water from

Please bring your buckets, ice chests, and milk jugs, for water to drink, bathe with, hygiene needs, etc.

We are also told the water tank is gradually filling up, so things are looking better for the City of Wilmar and its water customers.

Between Friday and Sunday, Wilmar water, customers have been losing pressure, and eventually all water service, in the city, and surrounding area served by the system, including the sports complex area, Dixon Road, and S. Allis Rd.

City workers, and others, are still out, this morning, early, searching for water leaks that may have caused  the city’s water tower to drain.

Drew County OEM became involved, yesterday, and Judge Robert Skin declared the situation to be an emergency, so the state could become involved.

National Guard resources are bringing in tanks of water to help refill the town’s water supply, as staff continues to search for what may have caused the tank to drain empty.

The city brought in cases of bottled water yesterday, one bundle for each water customer.

The city also open the community center, for the use of its restrooms.

The City of Wilmar was expecting a tanker truck today, but the Major at the Nation Guard said it will most likely arrive in the morning.

Also, Wilmar Mayor Toni Perry told us that the  community center is open for public bathrooms until further notice

Shortly after 11 AM, County Judge Robert Akin declared the Wilmar  water situation to be an emergency.

Drew County OEM has arranged for emergency tankers to help refill the city’s water tower.

The city of Wilmar has announced that water customers can pick up one case of water, at City Hall, this morning and afternoon, while supplies last.

“WILMAR RESIDENT we are about to COMPLETELY shut the water off in Wilmar for everybody so the tank can fill up.

Here is the latest statement from Wilmar Mayor Toni Perry, after speaking with Drew County, OEM.

“Please be patient with us while we try to find the solution to this problem. At this moment we do not know how long the water will be off.”

WILMAR RESIDENTS we have EMERGENCY TANKERS coming in to help with our water supply.

We are also purchasing cases of water, so each household can get 1 case.

Again, PLEASE be patient with us because your city workers & former city workers, & a few citizens, who are doing everything possible to get our water system back up & working.”

Everyone on the Wilmar Water System has been placed under a boil order, due to the town’s empty water tank, which is believed to be caused by residents opening faucets, during the sub-freezing windchills, in Drew County over the Christmas Weekend, in order to prevent pipes from freezing.

MLive spoke to the town’s mayor, this morning, who emphasize that city employees are out looking for any leaks that may have occurred, but none have been found, leading to the conclusion that in-home drains, that are causing the stress of the system.