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City officials say planning prevented service disruptions during Kaw Lake tie‑in
Summary
City staff and contractors credited months of planning for a 24–30 inch tie‑in that connected the Kaw Lake Water Supply Project to Water Plant No. 1; crews completed the work within hours and restored service the same day, officials said.
At a regular meeting of the Enid City Commission, city staff and contractor representatives credited months of planning and coordination for a successful tie‑in to the Kaw Lake Water Supply Project that city officials said did not noticeably disrupt residents’ water service.
Gerald Gilbert, a city staff member who introduced the item, said the work was one of the final connections needed “so whenever the water plant that’s out on Chestnut goes live, we’ll be able to take that water that we produce … and we’ll distribute throughout the city.” He told the commission the tie‑in was a 24‑ to 30‑inch connection that required shutting certain parts of the distribution system for a planned interval.
Jason Unruh, a city staff member who described the on‑site operation, said crews and contractors rehearsed and pre‑staged parts and materials for weeks. “They got them on hand, got them prepared and ready to go,” Unruh said. He said the planned shutdown occurred on a Saturday and that, through valve adjustments and system management, the distribution system was managed so “people would be able to not even notice” the work.
Michael Humphreys, a utilities staff member involved in the operation, said the city had allotted 12 hours for the tie‑in but finished in roughly three hours. “We had allotted for 12 hours to do this project, and we got it done in 3,” Humphreys said, adding crews restored service by about midnight.
Luckinbill, the contractor the city credited with field work on the tie‑in, emphasized the firm’s long relationship with the city. A Luckinbill representative said the company values its local ties and thanked the city for the opportunity to work on the project.
Commissioners and staff told the commission the work affected portions of the distribution system and required advance notice to large customers and industries. Unruh said staff contacted major local users in advance and coordinated timing to reduce impacts. Gilbert and others praised the utility crews, inspectors and the contractor teams for planning in winter conditions; one staff member noted the outside temperature was about 25 degrees on the day of the tie‑in.
The tie‑in is part of the Kaw Lake Water Supply Project, which staff said began planning in about 2016 and for which on‑the‑ground construction work began around 2017. When the Chestnut plant is placed into service, the tie‑in will allow the system to source treated water from Kaw Lake into the city’s existing distribution network.
City officials described the operation as a technical and logistical success and presented recognition to staff and to Luckinbill for their roles in the work.
