News & Updates

Canceled Mandatory Boil Order for the City of McAlester

May 08, 2023
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has rescinded its mandate for the Boil Order for The City of McAlester.

The City of McAlester received water quality testing results on samples from throughout the system at approximately 2:50PM on May 8, 2023. All samples were satisfactory and well below allowable levels of any contaminants according to the standards set by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality for public drinking water. At this time, we are canceling the Mandatory Boil Order effective immediately. We apologize for the disruption of service and greatly appreciate the cooperation and patience of residents and businesses during this time.

DEQ Letter

DRINKING WATER  WARNING MANDATORY BOIL ORDER for CITY OF MCALESTER and RURAL WATER DISTRICTS #5, 6, 7, 9 & 16 Public Water Supply ID: 1020609

May 06, 2023
12

DRINKING WATER  WARNING MANDATORY DO NOT USE ORDER for CITY OF MCALESTER and RURAL WATER DISTRICTS #5, 6, 7, 9 & 16 Public Water Supply ID: 1020609

May 05, 2023

DRINKING WATER WARNING

McAlester PWA

MANDATORY:DO NOT INGEST THE DRINKING WATER

 

Due to the potential for contamination following the loss of pressure and the emergency use of non-standard equipment, the drinking water supplied by the McAlester PWA water system may be unsafe for human consumption.  Water consumers should not ingest the water, including drinking, food preparation, baby formula preparation, tooth brushing, and ice making, etc. The water may be used for handwashing, bathing, and flushing toilets.

 

We will provide you with more information when it is available.  If you have specific health concerns about this situation, please contact your doctor. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.  Questions concerning this situation should be addressed to: The City of McAlester by calling 918-423-1212.

 

Address of the PWS:

5200 Waterworks Rd.

McAlester, OK 74501

 

 

Further general information can be found at the DEQ website: www.DEQ.state.ok.us

Corrective Action:

The McAlester Public Water Authority is operating in accordance with OAC 252, Chapter 626 and 631, including:

  1. Maintenance of reliable flow with a minimum pressure of twenty-five (25) psi to all parts of the distribution system;
  2. Maintenance of a minimum free chlorine residual (concentration) of at least 1.0 ppm at the point of entry to the distribution system and at least 0.2 ppm everywhere within the distribution system.
  3. Restoring the high service pumps to service and disconnecting the temporary fire engine/high service pump bypass;
  4. After the restoration of pressure to all parts of the distribution system and the disconnection of the temporary fire engine/high service pump bypass, the public water supply is to have at least forty-eight (48) hours of operation while maintaining adequate pressure, maintaining adequate chlorine residuals, and conducting flushing operations to remove water of unknown or questionable quality from the distribution system introduced by the temporary fire engine/high service pump bypass;
  5. The collection of safe bacteriological samples from (5) five points distributed within the distribution system taken on two (2) consecutive days;
  6. Completion of all required corrective actions as stipulated by the PWS Engineering and Enforcement District Engineer or Engineering Manager; and
  7. Proper monitoring and reporting of samples for total coliforms and other analytes.
  8. Continuous flushing and monitoring of water distribution system.

The correction of construction and operational deficiencies must be met within a time period as stipulated by the PWS Engineering and Enforcement Section District Engineer or Engineering Manager.

 

DEQ will consider suspending the DO NOT USE ORDER after all required corrective actions have been completed, all operational deficiencies have been corrected, and all required follow-up samples have been analyzed as free of coliform bacteria.

 

DRINKING WATER  WARNING MANDATORY DO NOT USE ORDER for CITY OF MCALESTER and RURAL WATER DISTRICTS #5, 6, 7, 9 & 16 Public Water Supply ID: 1020609

May 04, 2023

DO NOT INGEST THE DRINKING WATER

 

Do Not Use Water Order Issued for McAlester PWA

For Immediate Release:  May 4, 2023

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has advised the McAlester PWA, located in Pittsburg County, to inform users of its drinking water not to use the water. The water is not to be used for consumption, food preparation, dishwashing or brushing teeth. The water may be used for handwashing and showering. It is recommended that consumers use bottled water or water from another source. This order was issued due to the potential for contamination following the loss of pressure and the emergency use of non-standard equipment.

The following water systems purchase water from McAlester PWA, and therefore are also under the do not use order:

  • Pittsburg Co. RWD 9
  • Pittsburg Co. RWD 6
  • Pittsburg Co. RWD 7
  • Pittsburg Co. RWD 16
  • Pittsburg Co. RWD 5

If a water customer is unsure which water system supplies their water, the customer should check their water bill.

Residents will be notified when the water is considered safe for human consumption. Federal law requires that consumers be notified when a public water supply exceeds certain maximum contaminant levels and might be harmful to the health of consumers.

Water Update # 1

May 03, 2023
Water Update #1- The water plant has lost electrical connection to the pumps that are required to provide water to the towers throughout town. Crews are still working diligently to troubleshooting the electrical issues at the plant. We are currently working on a solution to bypass the pumps at the plant to provide water to the city. Unfortunately, we do not have a timeframe on restoration.

Water Update # 2

May 03, 2023
Water update #2:
We have successfully bypassed the pumps and water is currently flowing to the lines, at a greatly reduced pressure than you may be accustomed to. We ask that you please continue to conserve water as the lines slowly begin to refill. The bypass will provide basic services for our citizens until additional resolutions are achieved. Some areas may continue to see very low or possibly even no pressure until the issue is resolved.
City of McAlester
DO NOT INGEST THE DRINKING WATER
Due to the potential for contamination following the loss of pressure and the emergency use of non-standard equipment, the drinking water supplied by the City of McAlester water system may be unsafe for human consumption. Water consumers should not ingest the water, including drinking, food preparation, baby formula preparation, tooth brushing, and ice making, etc. The water may be used for handwashing, bathing, and flushing toilets.
We will provide you with more information when it is available. If you have specific health concerns about this situation, please contact your doctor. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Questions concerning this situation should be addressed to:
The City of McAlester
Further general information can be found at the DEQ website: www.DEQ.state.ok.us

Voluntary Precautionary Boil Advisory City of McAlester and Rural Water Districts 5, 6, 7, 9 & 16

May 03, 2023
Due to lack of high-service pump functionality, the City of McAlester is issuing a precautionary boil advisory for Mcalester & Rural Water Districts 5, 6,7,9,& 16.

2023 Armed Forces Day Parade Registration Form

Apr 04, 2023
Fill out the attached form HERE and sign up NOW for the 2023 Armed Forces Day Parade. Deadline for entries is May 1st.  

City Offices Closed 8am-1pm March 22nd, 2023

Mar 20, 2023
offices will be closed March 22nd, 2023 for Captain Richard Parks Funeral services.
City Offices Closed
No Business to be Discussed 

Fair Housing

Mar 08, 2023
Fair Housing: More Than Just Words (Select this link to view Article)

K9 Officer Hunter, Retires after 7 years of service

Mar 01, 2023

Spring Cleanup 2023

Mar 01, 2023

FY 2022-2024 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal - McAlester Regional Airport

Feb 28, 2023
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - The City of McAlester, OK as sponsor for the McAlester Regional Airport hereby announces a proposed overall DBE goal for its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. The proposed overall goal for FAA-AIP funded projects in FY 2022 through FY 2024 is 2.28%. View DBE GOAL By clicking this Link here.

Voluntary Precautionary Boil Advisory City of McAlester and Rural Water Districts 5, 6, 7, 9 & 16

Feb 06, 2023
Due to a loss in water pressure and updated information from the DEQ, McAlester & RWDs 5, 6, 7, 9, and 16 are under a precautionary and voluntary boil advisory until further notice.

City of McAlester receives $20,000 for glass removal at Hunter Park from TSET.

Jan 20, 2023
City of McAlester received $20,000 in 2021 for glass removal for the Michael J. Hunter Park. To the right of the picture is a walking trail that connects the city with the park. Behind the group are benches for picnics, lights and big rocks for kids to climb on. 
 
Front Row:
Stephanie Giacomo, Grant Writer and Administrator
John Browne, Mayor
Thomas Larson, Director of Public Information and Outreach
Debbie Vega, Healthy Living Program Coordinator
Megan Waters, Executive Director of Keep McAlester Beautiful
Jennifer Vaezi, Healthy Living Assistant Coordinator
Ashley Kennon, Public Information Officer
 
Back Row:
Maureen Harrison, Community Member
Helen Turner, Community Member
Regina Turner, Community Member
Shelli Colbert, Payroll Officer
Tabetha Howel, Codes Enforcement Officer
Tommy Hill, Director of Public Works
Johnny Reich, Engineering Technician

Pittsburg County Burn Ban Extended

Oct 06, 2022
The Pittsburg County burn ban has been extended through October the 17th due to dry conditions, high winds, and low humidity which elevates fire risks. This includes all outdoor burning. Please do not throw cigarettes out of vehicle windows. Call 911 to report any brush fires in your area.

Canceled Voluntary Precautionary Boil Advisory City of McAlester and Rural Water Districts 5, 6, 7, 9 & 16

Sep 28, 2022

Canceled Voluntary Precautionary Boil Advisory City of McAlester and Rural Water Districts 5, 6, 7, 9 & 16

Sep 27, 2022
The City of McAlester received water monitoring results on samples from throughout the system at approximately 4:50 p.m. on September 27, 2022. All samples were satisfactory and within the standards set by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality for public drinking water. At this time, we are canceling the Voluntary Precautionary Boil Advisory implemented as a result of the previously elevated turbidity levels. We appreciate the cooperation and patience of residents and businesses during this time.

Voluntary Precautionary Boil Advisory City of McAlester and Rural Water Districts 5, 6, 7, 9 & 16

Sep 27, 2022

WARNING VOLUNTARY, PRECAUTIONARY BOIL ADVISORY CITY OF MCALESTER and RURAL WATER DISTRICTS #5, 6, 7, 9 & 16
Public Water Supply ID: 1020609
September 27, 2022

Due to high turbidity levels in the drinking water supplied to the City of McAlester and reliant water districts may be unsafe for human consumption. As a precaution, it is advised that the consumers of this water system bring the water to a full, rolling boil for at least one minute before drinking, consumption, food preparation, baby formula preparation, dish washing, tooth brushing, ice making, wound care, and bathing infants who may ingest bath water. Alternatively, bottled water or another acceptable water source may be used.

Important Note: This precautionary boil advisory is not related to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and it is important to continue to wash your hands during the precautionary boil advisory.
This advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Questions concerning this situation should be addressed to the McAlester Police Department at 918-423-1212. The City of McAlester has collected water samples from the designated areas throughout the system and they are on the way to Tulsa for lab testing. The samples take up to 24- 48 hours to process. If all samples are satisfactory, we will lift the voluntary precautionary boil advisory at that time.

 

Address of PWS:
5200 Waterworks Rd.
McAlester, OK 74501
County: Pittsburg

 

Further general information can be found on the DEQ website: www.deq.ok.gov

Precautionary Boil Advisory City of McAlester and Rural Water Districts 5, 6, 7, 9 & 16

Sep 25, 2022
A precautionary boil advisory is in place for the City of McAlester and Rural Water Districts 5, 6, 7, 9 & 16.
 
 This advisory is a result of a loss of pressure in the water system along with a treatment process that does not meet requirements leading to higher turbidity in the water and the potential for contamination as a result of this situation. The drinking water quality is unknown; to protect yourself, you may choose to boil your water. As a precaution, it is advised that the consumers of this water system bring the water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute before consumption, food preparation, baby formula preparation, dish washing, tooth brushing, ice making, wound care, and bathing infants who may ingest bath water. Alternatively, you may use bottled water for these purposes. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

2022 City-Wide Garage Sale - Full List (View, Download or Print)

Sep 20, 2022
View or download a printable .PDF of the 2022 City-Wide Garage Sale List...

Report Housing Discrimination

Aug 25, 2022
Don't let housing discrimination stop you from rebuilding your life.

Bottler of the Year Located in McAlester

Aug 24, 2022
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of McAlester receives top awards and recognition...

Dates Announced For City-Wide Garage Sale

Aug 15, 2022
The McAlester/Krebs City-Wide Garage Sale is almost here!!! September 23rd & 24th, 2022. Apply online at: https://mcalester.rja.revize.com/forms/4311 or call (918)424-1923.

We have been selected as a 2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee!

Jun 29, 2022
The City of McAlester is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant.

Investors Excited About Drone Testing

Jun 23, 2022
The Choctaw Nation, near McAlester, Oklahoma, is at the epicenter of a technological revolution.

City of McAlester Celebrates Retirees

May 17, 2022
Retiree Celebration Held on May 12th

The McAlester Entrepreneurial Spirit

May 06, 2022

Water Line Break at River Oaks

Apr 27, 2022
Water Outage Alert 4-27-22 River Oaks - Copy (2)

Road Closure

Apr 15, 2022
Construction Alert 4-19-22 6th Street ALT - Copy

Green Meadows area water service restored

Mar 17, 2022
Water Outage Alert 3-16-22 UPDATE-2 social

Service Outage for Green Meadows area

Mar 16, 2022
Water Outage Alert 3-16-22 social

TRANSMISSION LINE BREAK REPAIRED AS WATER TOWERS LEVELS BEGIN TO RISE

Mar 04, 2022
Water Outage Alert 3-4-22 citywide

Repairs Completed, Water Service To Be Restored

Mar 04, 2022
Water Outage Alert 3-3-22 water restored

City-wide Water Outage

Mar 03, 2022
Water Outage Alert 3-3-22 citywide website

City-wide Water Outage Repair

Mar 03, 2022
Water Outage Alert 3-3-22 citywide overnight website

Remote Work Job Fair

Feb 16, 2022
Remote Work Job Fair in McAlester, OK

McAlester Workforce Development

Jan 27, 2022
How McAlester Can Help Solve Your Workforce Challenges

McAlester Defense Manufacturers Secure New Contracts

Dec 15, 2021
McAlester Defense Manufacturers Secure Millions in New Contracts

Successful 2021 McAlester Stampede

Nov 23, 2021
The McAlester Community Actively Supports the Defense Industry by Advocating in Washington D.C.

City Hall Prepares For Water Line Vote

Nov 03, 2021

On Tuesday, November 9th, citizens of McAlester will vote on the Water Line Improvement Project ballot issue. The Project is slated to begin in early 2022. Voters are being asked to fund the Project with either a 1/4 cent sales tax or a utility rate increase.

2021 Asphalt Overlay Project

Aug 25, 2021
McAlester City Councilors approved asphalt overlays for more than 30 streets in McAlester.

Water Service Disconnects to Resume in August

Jul 27, 2021

Water service disconnects due to nonpayment will resume in August 2021 for McAlester utility customers.

BIRD LANDS IN MCALESTER, STARTING JULY 2021

Jul 26, 2021
The City of McAlester is partnering with Bird, the Los Angeles, California-based, shared electric scooter company, to bring e-scooters to the city in the coming days. The scooters are available through a mobile phone application and riders pay to use the scooter per minute, at no cost to the city.

Be Prepared for a Flood

Jun 29, 2021

Lifeguard and Wading Pool Information Meeting!

May 14, 2021
Interested in Lifeguard or Wading Pool positions?

Take the Lower Canadian Watershed Survey!

Apr 13, 2021
Take this survey from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board regarding flooding issues.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week!

Apr 13, 2021

FEMA Assistance for Households

Apr 09, 2021
Learn more about getting individual assistance for damage from recent disasters in Pittsburg County.

Important Information for Utility Customers

Mar 18, 2021
The City of McAlester is reinstating 10-day past due notices and fees on utility bills effective April 15, 2021.

Water Outage February 2021

Feb 19, 2021
Up-to-date information about McAlester's Water situation in February 2021.

Municipal Court Postponed for February 9, 2021

Feb 09, 2021
Inclement weather update!

City Inclement Weather Closures for February 2021

Feb 09, 2021
Motorists should use caution. Some City services closed.

Holiday Trash Service

Dec 21, 2020
Trash Service Updates for the week of December 21, 2020.

Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Dec 01, 2020
Be Fire Smart for the Holidays

Arvest Park Decorated for Holiday Season

Nov 23, 2020
City crews have worked together to transform the City's newest park into a Magical Christmas Forest!

Thanksgiving Trash Service

Nov 23, 2020
Trash service delays due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, 2020.

Save Time - Pay Utility Bills by Phone!

Oct 15, 2020
The City of McAlester gives you access to your account 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It's a convenient way to pay your bills on your own time - with no waiting!

Blue Thumb Training for New Volunteers

Oct 15, 2020

Blue Thumb is a water quality education project of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s Water Quality Division.

City-Wide Garage Sale October 2nd & 3rd

Sep 14, 2020
Call (918)424-9600 if you would like to have a garage sale on Oct 2nd and/or on Oct 3rd and be added to the list. There will be no permit fees from the City of McAlester or from the City of Krebs for these dates.  2020 Garage Sale List

September 15, 2020, Court Arraignments Postponed

Sep 11, 2020

City of McAlester Municipal Court Arraignments for Tuesday, September 15, 2020, are postponed until Tuesday, October 6, 2020. 

PPE Available for Local Businesses

Aug 28, 2020
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Business Program for McAlester

Take our Environmental Programs Survey today!

Aug 26, 2020
Take this quick 2 minute survey about McAlester's Environmental Programs.

McAlester Recycling Center Reopens Aug. 10th!

Aug 06, 2020
The McAlester Recycling Center is reopening on Monday, August 10, 2020.

Promotions in McAlester Police Department

Jul 14, 2020
The McAlester Police Department promoted six officers to leadership positions in the patrol and criminal investigation divisions effective July 13, 2020.

New Hours of Operation for Utility Billing, Courts

Jun 23, 2020
New hours of operations for the city's Utility Billing and Court Clerk offices

Make Online Payments with No Fee

Jun 17, 2020
The City of McAlester No Longer Charges Fee for Online Payments

Landfill Open for Storm Response

May 08, 2020

Hearod named Interim Chief of Police

Apr 29, 2020
The city of McAlester named Kevin Hearod as interim Chief of Police following the retirement of Chief Gary Wansick.

City Extends Closures to May 15, 2020

Apr 29, 2020
To continue to minimize the risk of community spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the City of McAlester has extended the temporary precautionary measures at city properties again, this time through Friday, May 15, 2020.

McAlester Recycling Center Closing

Mar 25, 2020
The McAlester Recycling Center will be closing all operations starting at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

Council Suspends Cut-Offs, Takes Other Actions on COVID-19 Emergency

Mar 18, 2020
The McAlester City Council met in an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, to consider resolutions related to the city’s response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. At the end of the meeting, Mayor John Browne proclaimed a state of emergency for the city.

City Responds to COVID-19 Guidelines

Mar 17, 2020
To reduce the risk of community spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the City of McAlester is implementing temporary precautionary measures at city properties effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 until Sunday, April 5, 2020. There are no known cases of COVID-19 in Pittsburg County at the time of this release.

McAlester Honored with 31 Years as Tree City USA

Mar 10, 2020

Utility Payment Kiosk now available

Feb 20, 2020
Utility Payment Kiosk now available

McAlester Completes Water Service Improvements

Feb 12, 2020

Two projects to improve water service in the city of McAlester were successfully completed in January 2020 as part of a systematic approach to creating a more reliable water delivery system.

Bicycle Lanes Rollout on City Streets

Feb 05, 2020
McAlester now has bicycle lanes for the use of bicyclists and pedestrians on three city streets. The new lanes are four-feet wide and are located on both sides of the street on East Monroe Avenue and South 9th Street as well as the south side of East Illinois Avenue.