During his Thursday “Team Kentucky” update, Governor Andy Beshear revealed two major positive developments in regard to the ongoing Crittenden County and City of Marion water crisis.
First and foremost, an engineering report could be returned as early is Friday — outlining what should be a successful connection between Marion and Sturgis.
And secondly, though not officially revealed as of yet, Beshear said officials have identified a secondary water source for the community. One that is safe and potable.
The Division of Water is also preparing to issue guidance and assistance on bulk water storage and personal well drilling.
As of Thursday, water hauling from the Tradewater River from both P&H Farms and the National Guard had brought daily averages to nearly 125,000 gallons per day — to a community that, at its peak, used more than 430,000 gallons per day.
Beshear noted there continues to be daily coordinated efforts to bring in bottled water as a short-term solution, and since those deliveries began, more than 398,000 bottles — or roughly 60,000 gallons — had been delivered directly to Crittenden County families.
Leak detection has also been a major focus of this infrastructure crisis, and Beshear said thousands of gallons of water have been preserved through these efforts alone.
Heat and tepid rainfall also continue to be concerns for the city, as moderate drought grips west Kentucky. Old City Lake, now the city’s main reservoir, is in dire need of a gullywasher after having received just a half-inch of rain in the last few weeks.
A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives after midnight Saturday, with those chances increasing considerably throughout Sunday.
