Pawnee County Emergency Management

06/19/2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Town of Ralston (Town) in Pawnee County received approval for a $145,000 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Town’s water infrastructure.

06/19/2026

🚨 STATEMENT FROM PAWNEE COUNTY RURAL WATER DISTRICT #2 🚨

Yesterday, the leak was successfully located and repairs took place over night into this morning.

This repair required the replacement of a valve, sections of two separate water lines, and an update to the connection between those lines from PVC to a metal T-connection. Crews also removed a flush hydrant that appears to have been struck by a vehicle or farm equipment at some point, causing stress on the underground line that eventually resulted in a crack and water loss.

With assistance from the Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA), Rural Water District #2 crews were able to complete the necessary repairs at approximately 3:00 AM.

As of 8:00 AM this morning, the water towers are full and maximum system pressure has been restored throughout the entire district.

The Water Department would like to thank its customers for their patience and understanding throughout this event. We also appreciate the assistance provided by ORWA, Pawnee County Emergency Management, local fire departments, community partners, and everyone who helped support affected residents during the outage.

— Pawnee County Rural Water District #2

06/19/2026

🎉 WATER SYSTEM UPDATE – LEAK REPAIRED 🎉

Pawnee County Rural Water District #2 has advised that the leak has been repaired as of approximately 4:00 AM this morning.

During the repair process, crews located and repaired two separate issues. The first repair was completed in the Benight Road area. The second repair, which was identified as the primary cause of the water loss, was located near the end of 36870 Road, off of Benight Road.

According to the water department, crews discovered a blown-out fire hydrant and a damaged valve, both of which contributed to the problem.

Pawnee County Rural Water District #2 will continue to monitor the system as water pressure and storage levels recover. Customers may experience a gradual return to normal pressure as the system stabilizes.

Pawnee County Emergency Management would like to thank the employees of Rural Water District #2 for their hard work and dedication throughout this incident. We would also like to thank the Pawnee Nation, Walmart, Tractor Supply, Terlton Fire Department, North 48 Fire Department, Camp Jubilee, local officials, and the residents of the affected area for their assistance, patience, and support during this event.

Additional information will be shared if needed, but we are hopeful that this repair will restore normal operations throughout the affected area.

— Pawnee County Emergency Management
— Pawnee County Rural Water District #2

06/18/2026

🚨 6-18-26 WATER SYSTEM UPDATE 🚨

Pawnee County Emergency Management spoke with Angela from Pawnee County Rural Water District #2 regarding the ongoing low water pressure issues affecting portions of the district.

District #2 continues to work to locate and repair the leak believed to be causing the low water pressure. At this time, the water department is not aware of any residents who are completely without water service. To assist with the search effort, District #2 has issued an alert requesting that any customer who has no water pressure at all contact their office immediately at (918) 757-4125.

Reports of customers with no water service can help crews narrow down the affected area and identify the location of the leak more quickly.

Angela also encourages residents to contact the water department directly with any questions or concerns regarding the water system.

Additionally, Terlton Mayor Aethena Ward has been contacted, she is very aware of the problem.

Pawnee County Emergency Management will continue to coordinate with Rural Water District #2 and provide updates as information becomes available.

— Pawnee County Emergency Management

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Northern Pawnee county you will be getting rain and some wind shortly. Shows to be two little small systems that will be pushing through.

06/16/2026

After trying to figure out how we could help our communities, We have teamed up with Terlton Community Volunteer Fire Department to offer assistance to those that are affected by the low water pressure or no water at all. So if you have livestock that are impacted and are needing water delivered please reach contact us by text or call Ashley at North 48 at 918-509-8040 or Megan at Terlton at 918-513-1098. Please be ready to provide us with a few details so we know what Truck would be appropriate to bring. 

06/16/2026

🚨 WATER SYSTEM UPDATE – DISTRICT #2 & BASIN AREA 🚨

Crews with Pawnee County Rural Water District #2 continue working to isolate and locate the water leak affecting portions of the system.

Today, personnel will be closing the furthest valve on the 6-inch main along Benight Road to determine if that section can be isolated. If necessary, they will continue working west along Benight Road to further narrow the search area.

District #2 has also arranged for a specialized leak detection company to assist with locating the leak. The use of leak detection equipment should help crews identify the affected section of water line more quickly and accurately.

Residents may also notice a drone operating along portions of the water line today. This drone is being utilized as part of the leak detection effort and is being flown specifically to assist crews in locating the source of the leak.

We are also aware of water pressure issues reported in the Basin area. This issue was caused by booster pumps shutting off, resulting in reduced water pressure. The problem was corrected yesterday afternoon, and the water tower serving the area is now approximately half full. Residents in the Basin area should begin seeing water pressure return to normal.

It is important to note that the Basin water issue and the Rural Water District #2 leak investigation are two separate incidents and are not connected. The Basin water system is operated by the City of Mannford.

Pawnee County Emergency Management remains in contact with all involved agencies and will continue to assist where needed. We appreciate everyone’s patience as crews work toward resolving these issues.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

— Pawnee County Emergency Management

06/15/2026

7:00pm update:

🚨 WATER SYSTEM UPDATE – EVENING REPORT 🚨

This will likely be the final update for today regarding the ongoing water leak investigation being conducted by Pawnee County Rural Water District #2.

Earlier today, crews observed the water tower level rising after a 6-inch main line valve was closed. As part of their troubleshooting efforts, the water department reopened the 6-inch main that serves the Benight Road area. Shortly after reopening the line, the water tower level began dropping again.

Based on this information, crews have successfully narrowed the search area and believe the leak is located somewhere beyond that section of the system.

At this time, Rural Water District #2 has only two personnel available to conduct the leak investigation. Their plan moving forward is to identify any additional main line valves farther down the system that can be closed to further reduce the search area and help pinpoint the location of the leak.

Pawnee County Emergency Management remains in contact with Rural Water District #2 and will continue to assist where needed. We are also working to distribute bottled drinking water to affected residents.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Pawnee Nation for donating bottled drinking water for Pawnee County Emergency Management to distribute to residents impacted by this water outage. Their generosity and partnership are greatly appreciated during this incident.

We would also like to thank our neighboring fire departments for stepping up to assist residents during this event. The Terlton Fire Department and North 48 Fire Department have a limited supply of bottled drinking water available for residents currently without water service.

In addition, the North 48 Fire Department has generously opened its station to provide appointment-only shower access for affected residents. Please visit their page for additional information on scheduling and availability.

We appreciate everyone's patience, understanding, and support as crews continue working to locate and repair the leak. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

— Pawnee County Emergency Management
— Pawnee County Rural Water District #2

🚨 WATER SYSTEM UPDATE 🚨

Pawnee County Rural Water District #2 has provided an update regarding the ongoing search for the suspected water leak.

Officials have observed that the water tower level is currently rising, which is an encouraging sign. Crews are now working to verify whether the increase is due to normal inflow from Lone Chimney or if it is the result of the actions taken within the water system.

If it is determined that the rise in the tower level is not due to increased inflow from Lone Chimney, crews will begin investigating for leaks beyond the 6-inch valve that was closed at approximately 11:00 AM today.

Pawnee County Emergency Management remains in contact with Rural Water District #2 and will continue to assist as needed. The County Water Buffalo containing potable drinking water remains available at the Rural Water District #2 office for residents who need water during this event.

In addition, Pawnee County Emergency Management is working to secure bottled drinking water for affected residents. Distribution locations will be announced as soon as they can be confirmed. Please continue to monitor our page for updates.

We appreciate everyone’s patience, cooperation, and support as crews work to locate the source of the issue and restore normal operations.

— Pawnee County Emergency Management
— Pawnee County Rural Water District #2