Chaffee water service back to normal

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- The city of Chaffee lost water power for a few hours Friday morning, but the main pump for the city is back up and running, said public works employee Shannon Hendrix.

The trouble occurred when the pumps malfunctioned and refused to turn on because of a blown control panel, possibly caused by a power surge, Hendrix said.

"People can go about their lives like normal," Hendrix said.

A boil-water order will not be necessary because the water pressure never fell below 46 pounds, meaning it wouldn't be possible for any cross-contamination to have occurred. Pressure must fall below 20 pounds for that to happen, Hendrix said.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources was aware of the problem and gave the go-ahead, saying the water was safe to use, he said.