Boil water notice lifted for Helena-West Helena, AR
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The boil water notice placed on the city of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas was lifted on Friday, after an over two-week-long water crisis.
The mayor of Helena-West Helena, Christopher Franklin, announced Friday that after collecting and testing water samples, the advisory was lifted at 2:39 p.m.
At least 95% of customers once again have water and decent water pressure, but some customers remain without water due to a leak on their side of the meter, according to Franklin.
Water for those customers will not be restored until the leak is repaired.
Boil water order remains in effect for Helena-West Helena residents
Around 200 customers have also been moved to the Barton Lexa Water Association lines as the city continues to repair leaks, but the city says that customers will still pay Helena-West Helena rates.
“We will continue to aggressively repair leaks. We are having the problem of fixing 20 leaks and discovering 25 more kinds of thing though,” said Franklin.
Mayor Franklin also announced Friday that the former general manager of Helena-West Helena Water was “released from employment” on Tuesday.
The general manager position was ultimately removed from the city budget, and Saeed Rose was named Water Superintendent.
Franklin says that the city will be aggressively applying for grants and loans to get work done and improve the city’s water system.
AR Gov. urges approval of $100K loan to aid town during water crisis
At this time, the city has only applied for assistance through two loans which were expedited by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Both loans were approved.
“Change has come to our water department and with some patience and understanding, you will see these changes soon. Please pray or cross your fingers or do whatever you do for good things to happen for our community. This is about all of us and the future of our area,” said Franklin.
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