City issues mandatory 24-hour water restrictions

McCOOK, Neb. — For much of the summer, McCook residents have been admonished to use as little water as possible on their lawns because of high demands on the city’s water treatment plant.

That admonishment became mandatory today because of an electrical failure at the city’s 11 year old, $14.4 million water treatment plant.

The city issued “mandatory 24-hour water restrictions” today “due to an electric failure at the plant. The city’s treatment vessels are unable to regenerate, greatly reducing the amount of water the city can produce.

“City staff is diligently working to repair the problem, however, outdoor irrigation must cease for at least 24 hours or until further notice from city staff.

“The mandatory restriction applies to all customers, residential and commercial. This restriction will remain in effect until further notice.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. The public’s assistance is greatly appreciated during this time,” according to the release, signed by Utility Director Jesse Dutcher and City Manager Nate Schneider.

Power failure associated with rapid snow melt put the plant out of commission for 12 hours in May, and a mechanical issue with a valve in the regeneration system interrupted operations in early July.