URGENT UPDATE: The small town of Adams, ND, is currently grappling with a significant water crisis after losing access to running water on October 15, 1991. Residents are adapting to life without tap water, relying on melting snow and hauling in supplies from nearby locations.
The situation escalated when the town’s well casing collapsed, leading to the complete depletion of the water tower’s supply by October 20. As a result, the community is facing a dire need for water, yet the resilient townspeople are finding creative solutions to cope.
Local resident Lillian Bakke showcased the community’s spirit by refusing to cancel her hair appointment despite the water shortage. “I’ve been coming here since 1936,” Bakke stated, highlighting her determination to maintain normalcy. Instead of washing her hair at the salon, she arrived with wet hair from home, demonstrating the lengths residents are going to adapt.
The absence of running water has transformed daily routines in Adams. Residents are now filling jugs, buckets, and garbage cans with water delivered from trucks, or by melting snow, as they reminisce about life before modern conveniences. Townsfolk are even visiting relatives in the countryside to enjoy the luxury of running water, a stark reminder of their current predicament.
“We thought we were in heaven yesterday when we had water running through the taps,” said Aneta Vejtasa, who works at the local Prairie Lanes Cafe. The struggle has sparked a newfound appreciation for water, with residents learning to conserve every drop. “You’re not as casual at running it down the drain as you used to be,” Vejtasa added.
Despite the challenges, business continues in Adams. Customers flock to the cafe for their morning coffee and companionship, with some like Vince Kjelaas recalling a time when he, too, lived without running water. “The snow on Sunday really helped,” he remarked, noting he managed to melt about 160 gallons of water for his household.
Children at Adams Public School have also adapted, bringing packed lunches as they navigate the water shortage. However, sixth-grader Joe Karas expressed his frustration with the situation, saying, “A person can only eat so much cold pizza.”
Authorities have contracted a Fargo company to locate a new water source, but as of now, test wells have not provided adequate supplies. Residents remain hopeful for a resolution but are learning to navigate this unexpected challenge together.
As the situation develops, the community’s resilience shines through, highlighting the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and thrive even amidst crisis. Residents are urged to stay connected with local updates as efforts to restore running water continue.
