Livingston officials establishing multiple sources for emergency water distribution sites.
Four locations are available for water from the system that would need to be boiled. Residents should bring devices to carry the water. In addition, bottled water is available at the Berkline building in Livingston and the East Clay Volunteer Fire Department.
Livingston Mayor Lori Elder Burnett said crews continue to troubleshoot problems to get the tanks refilled. While the initial twenty-inch main has been repaired, the freeze and thaw cycle created additional leaks. Burnetter said that continues to deplete storage tanks.
“When we did open back up, the water, you know, was not going directly into the tanks,” Burnett said. “We had a lot of leaks. So, at that point, we employed all hands on deck for water leak detection. Our water department has found many leaks that we are in the process of repairing. But in the meantime, our tanks are making ground. So we are, we are seeing some progress, though we are still on the boil notice.”
Burnett said she is asking all users to conserve water to help refill the tanks. Major water users got calls Thursday in an attempt to get the situation solved.
Residents can obtain potable water at Hilham School, the Alpine Gymnasium, Allons School, and the East Clay Volunteer Fire Department. Burnett said households are limited to ten gallons per visit and must bring their own devices to carry the water.
“It still needs to be boiled,” Burnett said. “I mean it is, you know, drinkable water but they did, they did, you know, for protection purposes are advising to boil that water too if you’re using it for drinking water or cooking.”
Officials advised residents to strain water and bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consumption.
“It is precautionary in addition to, you know, making ice, what you’re going to drink, what you’re going to eat, brushing your teeth, you’re advised not to use that water,” Burnett said. “But it is precautionary, we have no evidence of contamination, but it is what happens when, you know, your tanks get lower and we’re just complying with what the state is, you know, recommending that we do.”
The water system serves approximately 5,300 customers in Livingston and extends into Overton and Pickett counties. Crews are currently facing difficulties locating deep leaks that do not surface immediately, prompting officials to ask customers to check their own meters for unusual activity.
“We definitely have got to keep water to our, our hospital, our nursing home, those places that, you know, it could be catastrophic for those people to not have water,” Burnett said. “We are building, we’re not concerned about running out of water for those, but we are trying to protect those areas right now until we get built up just a little bit more.”
Burnett said the utility has been in constant contact with state officials, who said municipalities all across the state are dealing with similar issues due to last week’s cold temperatures.