What a wild – and dry — week in Odessa, Texas. Hopefully the worst of it is over, with water available again to Odessans, even though a boil alert is still in effect. But that is a minor inconvenience compared to an entire city being without water for more than 24 hours after a water line break forced the shutdown of Odessa’s water treatment plant.
No Monday morning quarterbacking here. We are happy that everything is up and running again and hope special attention will be paid to replacing critical infrastructure. Now is the time to steer clear of politicians’ pet projects, including a new sports complex. Instead, fix the infrastructure and the roads, which are needs.
Then, we can turn our attention to wants.
The real heroes this week are those who were (literally) down in the trenches digging for more than 24 hours to repair the line.
Now, let’s get those hard-working public works employees new water lines and take care of them.
We also noted how many stepped away from the keyboard complaining and instead pitched in to help others.
It’s a who’s who of the same folks and businesses who always step up when there is an issue.
Chef Alejandro Barrientos of Curb Side Bistro offered free drive-through meals on Tuesday and Wednesday as many local eateries were forced to shut down due to the water outage. He always comes to the aid of Odessans. You are a good egg, Chef.
Folks and organizations from Kermit and Midland and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality either brought water or helped hand it out to Odessans in need.
Some local water truck owners also showed up to haul in non-potable water to keep toilets flushing. Local ministries, including the Rev. Dawn Weaks and Connection Christian, also lended a hand.
Weaks and company took water to the elderly and shut-ins. Loads of volunteers took food, water and other items to those in need.
Some elected officials also helped out by toting water to those lined up at various spots to get bottled water. This is hard work without a shower in the 100 degree-plus heat. Good for those who showed up and helped out.
Lots of folks also donated water to neighbors, hospitals and shelters. It’s always so impressive to see the good work that others are willing to do during a time of crisis. Odessans come through, as always.
