Leak causing water shortage in Brandenburg found, officials say - WLKY Louisville

Leak causing water shortage in Brandenburg found, officials say

A state of emergency has been declared for the city of Brandenburg, Kentucky, due to a loss of water.

Brandenburg Mayor Bryan Claycomb's office released a statement Monday afternoon that a water main break caused a pump failure at the water plant.

The pump has been repaired, but pressure cannot be maintained because of the leak.

"This situation creates a considerable hardship for the citizens of the city of Brandenburg," said the declaration.

The state of emergency was to remain in effect until the leak is located and water is restored to the city.

Claycomb said that as of 8 p.m., crews have found out where the leak is and that it is being repaired.

"We still urge everyone to conserve their usage until the plant is able to recuperate our supply," Claycomb said. "Once again you can fill jugs of non-potable water at city hall until 9 p.m. if you bring your own containers, and we are offering cases of drinking water for consumption."

Claycomb has still not addressed where or how the leak got started.

Some areas of the city were completely without water, and about half have very low pressure.

"I know there are still people without water. There are a few that still have it. I would guess before this is over, they will lose it as well," said Brandenburg Public Works Director TJ Hughes.

WLKY is told that some restaurants are closing early at the suggestion of the Health Department.

"It's put a little damper on business. A lot of our calls have been about whether the buffet is open. We do have carryout. It's been OK, but it could be better," said Dawn Fuqua, shift manager at Mr. Gatti's Pizza.

A water tank was delivered Monday afternoon for citizens to come and draw water from for emergency use.

Brandenburg water customer Gary Chapman was one of many who took advantage of the mobile water supply.

"We just so happen to have our grandson staying with us this week. He's going to football camp and no shower. We've got to make a plan for him to get a shower," Chapman said with a laugh.

Once the water is restored, customers will have to conserve water by not using it for things like watering lawns or washing cars until tank towers are replenished. There will also be a boil water advisory issued.

The declaration says that the emergency management director will direct Meade County authorities in providing assistance as available while the local emergency operations plan is fully executed.

Under this state of emergency, the mayor can waive procedures and formalities otherwise required by the law pertaining to:

- Performance of public work
- Entering into contracts
- Incurring obligations
- Employment of permanent and temporary workers
- Utilization of volunteer workers
- Rental of equipment
- Appropriation and expenditure of public funds

The statement did not give a timeline for when the repairs would be complete and the water back on.