Tuesday’s explosion and fire in Neodesha, Kansas is causing problems with the water supply downstream in the Verdigris River in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality told Nowata to shut down its water supply because of contamination in the Verdigris River. It is believed some of the chemicals from the plant explosion got into the river. Nowata gets its water from the Verdigris.
The Verdigris River also feeds Oologah Lake. It provides water for more communities, including parts of Tulsa.
The explosion and fire happened at the Airosol chemical plant in Neodesha. The plant makes petroleum-based aerosol products. Three people were hurt in the blast.
Bottled water is being brought into to Nowata while the DEQ investigates all aspects of the contamination.
There are also water related problems, brought on by the fire, in Coffeyville. Correspondent Debra Woodall is there.