Adams, ND Faces Water Crisis as Residents Adapt to Life Without Tap Water

URGENT UPDATE: The small town of Adams, ND is grappling with a severe water crisis, having been without running water since October 15, 1991. Residents are adapting to this unprecedented situation by melting snow and hauling in water from nearby locations, as the town’s well casing has failed.

Since the water tower ran dry on October 20, life in Adams has transformed dramatically. Local businesses, schools, and households are finding innovative ways to cope. “You learn to scrimp a little bit,” said Aneta Vejtasa, who runs the Prairie Lanes Cafe. With no running water, she has resorted to pouring boiling water over dirty dishes and is more conscious of water usage than ever.

Residents are returning to old-school methods of gathering water. Children are filling jugs and buckets from trucks transporting water from the countryside, while adults are melting snow to meet their daily needs. “The snow on Sunday really helped,” customer Vince Kjelaas noted, explaining how he gathered about 160 gallons from melted snow.

Even with these challenges, the community spirit remains intact. Lillian Bakke, a longtime local, didn’t let the absence of water stop her from attending her weekly hair appointment. “I’ve been coming here since 1936,” she said, as she adapted by shampooing her hair at home before visiting Kathy Drevecky at Nygard’s Beauty Shop.

The local school has also adjusted, with students bringing packed lunches as many families forgo cooking at home. Sixth-grader Joe Karas expressed his frustration with the novelty of packed lunches, saying, “A person can only eat so much cold pizza.”

While the town has hired a Fargo company to locate a new water source, initial test wells have not yet yielded a sufficient supply, leaving residents anxious and hopeful for a resolution. “We thought we were in heaven yesterday when we had water running through the taps,” Vejtasa shared, reflecting the community’s longing for normalcy.

As the days pass, Adams continues to adapt, showcasing the resilience of its residents amid a crisis. Authorities emphasize the importance of conserving resources while they work on finding a sustainable solution.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops. Adams’ struggle highlights the essential nature of water and the community’s ability to come together in times of need.