Caney asks Montgomery County for help with their water emergency.

 City Administrator Kelly Zellner and USD 436 Superintendent Blake Vargas went before the Montgomery County Commission today to ask commissioners for a declaration of a state of emergency for the water situation in Caney. Caney officials stated last week that they had only one more pull left from the Timber Hill Lake into the Little Caney River. Caney Schools have changed to a four day school week and all local businesses are using porta-potties in an attempt to save as much water as possible. Caney City Administrator Kelly Zellner tells commissioners that rain alone won't help their current situation.

School superintendent Blake Vargas also spelled out for commissioners the steps the school district has taken to reduce water usage. As one of the largest consumers of water in Caney, USD 436 has made some major changes to reduce their water consumption. In addition to a shortened school week, the schools will also use porta potties for restroom use and dispense water instead of using bottled water to reduce the need for restroom use. The district is also considering changes to sports schedules to limit the number of home games. Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson says the schools and everyone else in Caney have worked to improve the situation, but that now is the time for outside help.

The commission agreed that the Caney water problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible in order to get the emergency help the city needs and approved the Emergency Declaration. The next step is to get approval from the state.