BAD FAQ's

  1. Why were there changes in staffing and crews?

    The Board is not at liberty to discuss specific personnel matters. However, on Thursday, July 21st, the Board voted to transition our crew and office staff as well as approved a contractor to operate the plant. The contractor was on site Friday morning at 8am maintaining the grounds, operating the plant, fixing leaks and performing system analysis. A Board member returned phone messages and fielded office calls.

    During a Special Meeting on Friday, July 28th, an Office Manager was hired and began work the following Monday. Thank you for bearing with us during this transition.

  2. What is the current contact information for RWD5?

    The RWD Office contacts remain the same (see above). Follow us on Facebook for to receive the latest news and information. Please be advised that the current phone system cannot handle the increased call volume of approximately 600 customers. The Board is exploring options to address this matter.

  3. Why am I out of water?
    The RWD#5 water treatment facility is the primary source of water for the District. Secondary sources are Westville Utility Authority and Watts Public Works Authority. The District plant facilities are over 30 years old and are not able to support the increasing need of the members within our service area. RWD#5 utilizes our secondary sources of water when circumstances allow. Both Westville and Watts have been good partners to our District, but they must put priority on the needs of their members. Recently the water treatment facility was not operational, and our secondary sources of water were also unavailable.

    The Board took immediate action to get the treatment facility operational as soon as possible. In addition, several matters are simultaneously being dealt with including continuing to partner with our secondary sources of water, having crews prioritize reported leaks, leak detection, and installing new meters which will ultimately assist with pinpointing leaks.

  4. What is being done to address the water shortage long-term?

    To address the water shortage long term, the Board has been partnering with Cherokee Nation Water and Sanitation and hired the consulting firm of OKAC to develop options for our water district. RWD#5 is a member of the Oklahoma Rural Water Association and we have requested their assistance on a number of issues including a Long-Range Sustainability Plan.

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  1. Why do some members have water but I do not?

    It is our understanding that years ago, the Board expanded into the northern part of the District with the plan of a water project coordinated with the State, which ultimately fell through.
    The members with water are primarily on the “old” lines (Proctor) nearest to the treatment facility. Generally, those members without water are on the “newer” or northern part of the District (Chance, New Hope, Chewy).

  2. When will my water be back on?

    Unfortunately, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer to this question for all members. We realize the water shortage has impacted local businesses, farms and family daily life. RWD#5 did not get in this situation overnight but has been years in the making and it will not get completely remedied overnight.

    The current Board of Directors are committed to restoring safe water on a consistent basis as soon as possible to our families, neighbors, and friends as well as to our own homes.

  3. How do I stay informed by RWD#5?

    Facebook: Please follow us on Facebook for information and updates. The Facebook page for the district (Adair County Rural Water District No. 5) is now administered by two Board members and has been updated to allow public comment.
    Website: The website (acrwd5.com) is in the process of being updated with current information.

  4. Why have blow off valves been locked?

    Several months ago it came to our attention that some members have been utilizing blow off valves to fill swimming pools, wash equipment, and other purposes. The blow off valves have been locked for the following reasons;

    1. a)  these blow off valves are the property of the District,

    2. b)  usage of water from blow off valves is UNAUTHORIZED AND ILLEGAL as any backflow could contaminate the water supply for the entire District,

    3. c)  water usage has not been billed to those members utilizing large quantities of water.

    Exceptions have been made in regards to supplying water for our Rural Fire Departments operated by volunteers who protect and serve our communities.

    There are currently two farms within the District that have authorized metered blow off valves, in other words they 1) have a backflow preventer 2) have been paying for the water usage for agricultural purposes. Please contact the District to request installation of metered blow off valves.

  5. Is there a boil order?

    Currently, there is not a mandatory boil order. However, with the inconsistency of water flow through the lines, it is recommended that you boil the water before ingesting. Please refer to the Facebook page and website for any updates.

  6. Where can I get water (free of charge)?
    Bottled water: The Board contacted Cherokee Nation Emergency Management and requested assistance for safe drinking water for our families, friends and neighbors. Cherokee Nation supplied 3 pallets of bottled water which is available at three locations.

    1. RWD#5 Office: available anytime during the day (gate locked at night)

    2. RRP: available anytime on the restaurant porch

    3. Chance RFD: times available to be posted on Facebook (Jeremy Wilhite contact)

    Water wagon: The Adair County Emergency Management has a potable water wagon (buffalo tank) available. Potable water is water of a quality suitable for drinking, cooking and personal bathing. However, it is recommended that you boil this water before human

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consumption just to be safe. Call 918-871-0382 for time and location schedule. Be sure to bring your own containers.
South Delaware County Regional Water Authority: SDCRWA Board has made water available at the Edify Church in Chewey. Be sure to bring your own containers. The SDCRWA has been working on the Chewey Project, which is essentially a line extension at the southernmost point in Flint Ridge down Chewey Road just past the old store.

Adair County Barn (Chance): Commissioner Larry Woods has made non-potable water available from 8am to 3pm. Non-potable water is NOT suitable for drinking but may still be used for other purposes.

  1. What can I do to assist?

    1. a)  Report any suspected leaks to the RWD#5 Office.

    2. b)  Those members who have water (primarily Proctor), please conserve water in order to

      assist our families, friends and neighbors in the northern part of the District.

    3. c)  All members visit this website for water conservation tips. https://wateruseitwisely.com

  2. Who do I contact to report a leak or water outage?

    Please contact the office at (918) 723-4785.

  3. Why did our meter get changed?

    The District received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the State via Adair County Commissioners which is being utilized to upgrade our system meters some of which are original meters over 30 years old. The new meters will enable an automatic meter reading system that is more accurate and efficient than manual collection which is prone to human error and is time consuming. Should you have an issue with your meter reading or water usage increase please contact the office.

  4. Why did our rates go up?

    The last rate increase was in 2018. After a rate study conducted by Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA), the Board of Directors discussed and voted on the new monthly water rate schedule. The new rate schedule was approved to take effect on the June 2023 billing

cycle. This increase was designed to cover the expenses of the District's aging infrastructure needs.

  1. Has the Board applied for grants?

    The Board has received funds from Cherokee Nation to complete our system mapping project as well as other funds for a system hydraulic analysis and an engineering report.
    We are also in the process of applying for two grants for approximately $270,000.

  2. How can I pay my bill?

    The current payment methods are outlined below. The Board is exploring options for payment methods and will discuss in future meetings.

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By mail:

RWD#5
P.0. Box248
Proctor, OK 74457
(918) 723-4785
At the RWD#5 Office in Proctor
https://acrwd5.com/bill-payment
With this service, the amount of your monthly bill is automatically

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Over the phone:
In-person:
Online Bill Payment:
Automatic Bank Draft:
deducted from your bank account and credited to your utility account. There is no set-up fee or charge associated with this method of payment. To set up Automated Bank Draft, simply download and fill out the form then drop it off or mail it to the office along with a voided

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($4.95 Service fee)

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check.

Online Bill Pay: Many financial institutions such as major banks offer their customers the ability to pay their bills via an online bill payment service (through your bank's website). Normally, these services debit the customer's checking or savings account to pay the bill. Depending on the financial institution, they may or may not charge a fee for the service.

17. Will I be charged a late fee since the RWD card machine was down?

The Board has agreed that no late fees will be assessed for the month of July/August 2023, as the issue was not the fault of the members.

18. Who is currently on the Board?

RWD#5 is governed by a 5-member non-paid Board of Directors.

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Chairman:
Vice- Chairman: Secretary/Treasurer: Member:
Member:

Ivan Hargis Kevin Hooper Vickie Hanvey Colt Weaver Jake Johnson