WATER OUTAGE: Area emergency procedures tested

UPDATE FRI, 5pm:

“Here is an update on the water main break. If there are any new updates I will make sure to send them to you. The repairs have been made and water is flowing through the system but in abundance of caution tests must be conducted to ensure the water is safe for drinking and food preparation. The first round of tests is being conducted and the results should be known by this evening. The water main break impacts the Colorado River Indian Tribes on the Arizona side of the Colorado River Indian Reservation. This includes La Paz County Regional Hospital and Parker Indian Hospital. The Town of Parker itself is not impacted as it has its own water system. A boil water advisory remains in effect and will likely be in effect through the weekend.” – CRIT Spokesperson

ORIGINAL STORY:

• Full capacity will not be restored for a maximum of 3 days
• Affected people advised to boil water before drinking
• Surgeries cancelled, both hospitals affected
• Initial repair attempt was unsuccessful

Emergency procedures are in effect at this hour after a contractor breached a water line affecting the Colorado River Indian Tribes water system. The outage, which is ongoing after an initial repair attempt failed, is testing area entities’ preparedness and protocols as they scramble to continue services where possible.

The system, which has been completely shut down, will not be restored to full capacity for a maximum of 3 days, according to CRIT. Meantime, people affected are advised to boil water before drinking.

Homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, including large businesses, have been without water since Wednesday morning, when a main water line was breached by a contractor on Mohave Road.

Surgeries have been cancelled at La Paz Regional Hospital, while dialysis patients at Parker Indian Hospital have been transferred to Lake Havasu City.

“All surgeries have been temporarily postponed/cancelled,” said Kevin Brown, CEO at La Paz Regional Hospital. “Ambulance service has been diverted. All outpatient services will continue in operations. Imaging, Laboratory, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy and all Clinics remain in operation. The Emergency Department and Urgent Care remain open to all walk in traffic. We ask for patience and understanding as we deal with this unexpected emergency. LPRH maintains emergency supplies of water and regularly conducts disaster drills to ensure that staff are trained for emergencies, including utility outages.”

At Safeway, the meat market and bakery were down, and Starbucks was closed. BlueWater Resort & Casino had no water. The Badenoch’s area was down also. Le Pera Elementary School children were released early Wednesday and the school was closed Thursday. They also rescheduled their spring musical.

According to a statement at noon on Thursday by the Colorado River Indian Tribes, public works crews were unsuccessful at banding the pipe, requiring further work to restore the system.

“CRIT Utility public works crews were first able to assess the situation thoroughly after assistance was attained to get the water main breakwater levels to a minimum,” the statement said. “The immediate repair of banding the pipe did not work, so a more permanent total pipe replacement is underway right now.”

The repairs have necessitated the complete drainage of the main water tanks. Once the system is repaired, there will be a three day period of water restriction until the tanks are refilled and pressure is restored to the correct level.

CRIT is distributing bottled water to tribal members living on the reservation, with other services to seniors and check-ins for residents who requested assistance. Click here for a list of relevant agencies and phone numbers for assistance.