Dear Mayor Joines;
Council Members Scippio, Adams, Burke, Clark, Joiner, Ford Hall, Andree-Bowen, Taylor;
Utilities Director Driver:
Confusion over the boil water alert issued on July 29, 2026 after the water main break is still a topic of discussion among Ardmore residents. The Ardmore community felt blindsided by the mixed messaging during the first 48 hours of this event. The end solution of creating an interactive map for precise addresses was beneficial for those connected to the Internet and those keeping up with the alert changes through the
news. However, the mixed messaging from the City missed many people under the advisory, and leaves disgruntlement and questions.
Questions we are hearing include:
- Why was there initially mixed messaging about who should boil water? Some residents even on the
same street had differences in water supply experience: water disruption, low water pressure, or no noticeable change in pressure. - What level of water disruption rises to the level of a boil water advisory?
- Should residents flush lines any time there is a water disruption?
- Could the same alert system that is used to send street side service reminders be used to send a boil water advisory?
- This, of course, does not help those living in multi-housing units, businesses, or churches with dumpster services.
- Was the boil advisory sent out through the notice system one can sign up for through the City Portal?
The Ardmore Neighborhood Association is anxiously waiting to hear what emergency preparedness alert system the City is working on. We appreciate your consideration, and look forward to partnering with the City to help residents receive future emergency notifications.
Sincerely,
The Ardmore Neighborhood Association Board
Alden Mueller, President
Natalie Bailey, Evan Brigham, Julie Magness, Robert Newman, Kathy Pearre, Petra Salazar, Dan Taylor, Kim Underwood
