UPDATE: The town of Adams, ND is grappling with a severe water crisis as residents adapt to life without running water, a situation that began on October 15, 1991. Following a catastrophic failure of the well casing, the town has been without water for over a week, significantly impacting daily life.
On October 20, 1991, the water tower ran dry, leaving residents scrambling to find alternative sources. Many are melting snow and hauling in water from nearby rural homes, a stark reminder of the past when tap water was not a given. Local beautician Kathy Drevecky described how even in these trying times, her clients like Lillian Bakke continue their routines, with Bakke arriving at the salon with wet hair after washing at home.
“The absence of running water has made me appreciate modern conveniences more,” said Aneta Vejtasa, a local café worker. She explained how residents are learning to conserve water like never before, pouring boiling water over dirty dishes instead of running the tap. “You learn to scrimp a little bit,” she noted.
Despite the challenges, the community is rallying. Residents are sharing resources, with one man, Vince Kjelaas, sharing that he has melted about 160 gallons of snow for use. He reminisced about growing up without running water, which adds a layer of resilience to their current predicament.
Children are also adapting; students at Adams Public School have been bringing their lunches daily, peeking into each other’s boxes to share snacks. However, for sixth-grader Joe Karas, the novelty of packed lunches has worn thin. “A person can only eat so much cold pizza,” he said.
Local officials have hired a company from Fargo to drill test wells in search of a new water source. However, as of October 24, 1991, four attempts have yielded only a trickle, leaving residents hopeful yet frustrated. “We thought we were in heaven yesterday when we had water running through the taps,” Vejtasa added, capturing the community’s desperation and hope.
As the town of Adams continues to face this urgent water crisis, residents are urged to remain vigilant and resourceful. The situation is developing, and officials are working diligently to restore water services. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this pressing issue impacting the entire community.
This situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of water access and the resilience of small-town America.
