1990-08-14-sc-p3-water-cut-off

August 14, 1990 Spokane Daily Chronicle Page 3:

REARDAN, Wash.

Water running again after dry weekend

The Reardan city water system was back in operation about 5:30 Monday morning, ending a weekend drought for the small farming community 23 miles west of Spokane.

Police Chief Vernon Rosa said officials hoped to have the town’s 100,000-gallon water tank refilled by late Monday. Residents reported their water was working at 9 p.m.

The town’s main water pump broke about midday Saturday, and a small backup pump was inadequate to meet the town’s needs. The Air National Guard trucked in drinking water Sunday morning, and restrictions on water use were imposed.

Mayor Wayne Hill, City Council members and volunteers worked throughout the weekend to get the pump repaired and deal with the water shortage, according to Lucille Rettkowski, the city clerk-treasurer.

Hill’s daughter, Kendrie, said the mayor believed a lightning strike “fried the motor.”

Rosa said re-installation of the pump began about 2 a.m. Monday.