MUSKOGEE, Okla. — The City of Muskogee announced Tuesday that they are implementing a $17 million plan to improve water quality for residents.
The plan includes replacing water lines, rehabilitation of water towers and working to improve the water treatment plant.
Since 2017 the City has invested $12 million into water enhancement projects. The improvements have helped with previous water issues yielding positive outcomes according to the City.
2 News previously reported that the City continually struggled with water pressure with schools and residents reporting issues.
- Previous story>>> Muskogee water pressure issues impacting Muskogee High School
The City said that the new investments are said to improve water pressure, cleanliness and could lower costs for residents as repairs will improve water flow.
A few random water main breaks from time to time appear to look like natural streams like on Country Club Road near Chandler Road, but they are neither natural nor in the least bit intentional.
Former Muskogee mayor Janey Cagle Boydston of Cagle's Flowers said it's become an eyesore.
"That one’s been there for some time," Boydston said. And I know they’re wanting to fix it, but all it takes is money.”
"We’ve been partnering with Oklahoma Water Resources Board and utilizing the drinking water state revolving fund, and we have $17 million in use,” Public Works Assistant Director Avery Rigney said, referring to the $17 million in loan funds that started the work in 2017.
Rigney said the city has spent the first six years largely on planning and replacing its plant infrastructure going all the way to its pipes by Fort Gibson Lake, the source of the city's water supply.
"We always want to give our citizens the best and we have the opportunity to improve water quality and we want to take advantage of that opportunity given to us,” Rigney said.
Rigney said the next stage is for neighborhoods and businesses close to downtown to get most of its aging water infrastructure replaced, preventing any nasty taste or discoloration in the future.
"We’re putting new waterlines in all over town, but specifically right now the Main Street area from Shawnee Road to Okmulgee (Road) on Main.”
"That is a lofty goal to completely get rid of water leaks, but this will definitely move the needle in decreasing the number of them around town,” he said.
Rigney said proof should show in the drinking water almost immediately.
Boydston looks forward to water that never fails her or her flowers.
"And I think that when they get it done people are going to see a big improvement, and I hope they notice it.”
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