Officials Concerned About Edmonson County’s Water Supply

After the removal of one dam, and the partial removal of another, officials say Edmonson County’s water is in ‘critical condition’.

This is due to low water levels in the Green River and a buildup of sand and other debris in the district’s water intakes.

A meeting was held Thursday at the Edmonson County Water District to discuss the consequences of the removal of one dam and the partial removal of the other. Representatives from the offices of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie, and Senator Rand Paul were in attendance, as well as State Representative Michael Meredith.

According to Representative Meredith, over a decade ago, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a study. The results recommended the removal of two dams in the county. Their projections showed a slight decline in the river’s water level, but so far, the reality has far outweighed their projections. Because of this, those that maintain the water system say the situation is dire.

With over 30,000 customers in Edmonson, Grayson, and Hart Counties, officials say they hoped to have a solution before the drought season begins. However, the Corps. of Engineers was not present at the meeting, despite their approval being necessary for any changes.

This is not the first time that the issue has been brought to the attention of the Corps. of Engineers.

Representative Meredith said when this was brought to them in June of last year the said to give them a couple of months and they would come back with some possible solutions, and up until this point nothing has been done.

Another meeting has been organized for June 6, where officials hope to hear solutions from the Corps. of Engineers.

While the removal of the remaining portions of Dam No. 5 has been temporarily suspended, its removal was a congressional decision that must be reversed on the federal level. The potential consequences of the dam’s full removal have local leaders worried.

In the meantime, those that work on the water systems say that their work days have extended from eight to 10 hours, to closer to 14 to 16 hours. Filters in the water system that typically last upwards of 40 hours now need to be replaced after eight to 12 hours.

Water quality aside, Edmonson County relies heavily on the Green River for tourism, transportation, and recreation. All of that is at risk with the water level receding.

At the meeting, the county had the verbal support of leaders on the state and federal levels. However, no action can be made without the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers. Ideas for potential solutions are to be presented at the meeting on June 6.
Source: WBKO