City Of Barnsdall Pumping Water Out Of Lake Waxhoma In Effort To Relieve Pressure From Leaking Dam

Tens of thousands of gallons of water are being pumped out of Lake Waxhoma in an effort to take some pressure off the dam, located east of Barnsdall.

The pumping out of water comes after last week’s temporary fix for the leak did not last. The city said it began pumping water out of the lake at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Mayor Johnny Kelley said that is just part of the reason why water is flowing over County Road 2331 and into a creek. Because of a weak spot in the dam, Kelley said water is flowing under the spillway, instead of over as is intended.

With the water flowing over a county road, Kelley said the road is now impassable.  

Kelley said no one is in imminent danger at this time, but several agencies are aware of the problem and the possible threat the problem could cause.

“It’s a helpless feeling,” Kelley said. “We need to fix the problem, but we have to find the funds to fix it. This lake is a vital, vital tool, and it provides water to a lot of people.” 

Barnsdall residents are currently under a mandatory boil order. Kelley said the order was put in place due to heavy rain the area has experienced in the last few days.

According to Kelley, the lake provides water to the town and rural districts.

No word yet on when that boil order will be lifted.