September 30, 2022 2:00 p.m. 

Residents of the City of Yoncalla have been without water since Thursday morning.

City Administrator Jennifer Bragg told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that the main water line burst at the city’s water treatment plant. Bragg said that caused a sixty-foot crater in the earth. That led to their system going into “backwash” mode, which ultimately fried a lot of equipment in the plant.

Two reverse 911 calls were made to residents to alert them to the situation.

Bragg said a number of parts were quickly ordered with some coming from Seattle and other areas. She believes staff has all the parts needed but much work remains to make repairs.

Bragg said help has been coming from around the area, with various businesses and others delivering pallets of water to city hall, so they can be given out to residents.

Bragg said staff followed health protocols and notified the Oregon Health Authority. While no one in Yoncalla has water service for now, when they do residents will be on a “Boil Water” order. Bragg said residents must purge their lines for fifteen minutes when service returns, and can then shower.

North Douglas Parks and Recreation will open the showers at their community pool in Drain Friday night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bragg said people can take showers there, as long as they bring their own towel.

News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN will update the situation when new information becomes available