originally posted on July 15, 2016

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) – The Navajo Nation community of Rough Rock went five days without water after a mechanical failure and is again being asked to conserve.

The Gallup Independent reports that Navajo Tribal Utility Authority officials say a water pump motor for the Rough Rock well broke on July 3, leaving 371 customers without water. The pump was repaired on July 7 but then water in the storage tank dropped to a level that caused the motor to stop again.

Utility authority officials say they have been taking water to refill the Rough Rock water storage tank and asking customers to use only about 100 gallons a day. They have ordered a new part for the motor that should arrive Friday.

Community members who own livestock are being directed to other chapters to buy water for their animals.