Violators Of Broken Arrow Outdoor Watering Ban Could Face $500 Fine

The City of Broken Arrow said crews are testing the city's water supply following Tuesday's precautionary boil order.

Crews tested 40 sites throughout the distribution system to ensure safety, according to director of communications Stephanie Higgins. Testing was completed Wednesday afternoon and results are expected Thursday.

6/11/2013 Related Story: Broken Arrow Issues Precautionary Boil Order After Water Main Break

Higgins said until those results are back and show zero negative impacts on the system, the boil order advisory will remain in effect.

The Broken Arrow City Council held a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue.

The council passed a resolution prohibiting outdoor watering at the meeting. Higgins said violators could face fines of up to $500.

Boil order guidelines from the Oklahoma Department of Health.

Broken Arrow officials said under the boil order residents should bring water to full, rolling boil for at least one minute before consumption, food preparation, dish washing, tooth brushing, wound care and bathing infants who may ingest bath water.

Higgins also said, until the boil order is lifted, customers should continue to conserve water. She says this will allow the city's water system to recover from Tuesday's water line break.

Wednesday morning, the Tulsa City-County Health Department said all restaurants using the City of Broken Arrow water supply must close immediately due to the precautionary boil order.

6/12/2013 Related Story: Health Department Orders Broken Arrow Restaurants Closed 

St. John Hospital in Broken Arrow voluntarily closed its doors Wednesday afternoon due to the water emergency.

"It is regrettable that our water supply levels reached a point that we felt it was necessary to issue the voluntary, precautionary boil advisory," city manager Thom Moton said. "However, the public safety of our water customers is of the utmost importance. Public health is our No. 1 priority."

Moton said city pools and splash pads will remain closed until the advisory is lifted.

06/12/2013 Related Story: Health Department Orders Broken Arrow Restaurants Closed