Conway Corps issued a mandatory water curtailment Friday, Sept. 13. 

According to the formal request made by Conway Corps, the curtailment was issued due to a “water main break in the raw water line from Brewer Lake, Conway’s water source, to the Roger Q. Mills Water Treatment Plant.” 

The break temporarily “reduced Conway Corp’s ability to effectively pump a high demand of treated water to customers.”

Water quality was not affected in any way, and during the period repairs were made, water remained safe for consumption. 

The water curtailment also did not affect the deliverance or execution of any services on campus. 

Students were notified via email by UCA Housing and Residence Life, but the water curtailment request made by Conway Corp was city-wide. 

Conway Corp began performing emergency repairs to the water line at 8:00 a.m. on Sept. 13, the same day the request was issued. 

Crystal Kemp, chief marketing manager of Conway Corp, said, “The repair was made overnight, and the curtailment was lifted for everyone by 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.” 

The curtailment was issued to ensure that all residents of the community retained a sufficient treated water supply to meet their critical needs, especially those concerning hygiene and consumption. 

Kemp said that by curtailing the water supply while the repair was made, “we had enough water to serve the essential needs of the community without a complete loss of water to anyone.” 

To reduce water usage effectively, Conway Corp recommended that customers suspend irrigation entirely, refraining from watering any trees, lawns, grass or other vegetation. 

The company also requested that Conway residents delay washing clothes and washing dishes.

Residents were asked to avoid washing vehicles, boats, driveways, sidewalks and buildings. Consumers were also asked to refrain from filling, refilling or adding water to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzi pools or fountains. 

Finally, Conway Corps suggested that consumers delay showering until necessary, and to be sure to turn off water while brushing their teeth and washing their hair. 

Despite the email notifying UCA students of the water curtailment request, many remained unaware. 

A poll released by the Echo on Instagram found that only 1 of 5 UCA students who responded were aware of the water curtailment request, while 4 were not. 

UCA students also reported that they were unaware of when the water curtailment ended.

Kevin Carter, associate vice president of facilities, said, “During the 36-hour water curtailment, we shut off all UCA lawn irrigation which resulted in lower water usage.”

Carter also said, “The fountain recirculates the same water so it was not necessary to shut it off.”

Kemp said, “Customers responded well to the curtailment and the decline in usage was helpful in us being able to make our repairs.”