Governor Andy Beshear issued an executive order Saturday declaring a state of emergency for the City of Marion in Crittenden County due to a water shortage.
In a statement, Governor Beshear said the number one priority of government is to keep our people safe. He said declaring a state of emergency for the City of Marion is intended to put into motion all things the state can do to help alleviate the situation and provide support. Beshear said his administration is committed to helping the city and all of the families who live there.
Mayor Jared Byford this week that started as clear water under the Lake George levee has now seen the community move from a 13-month water supply to a 17-day option based on the updated City Lake analysis completed recently. He added that coupled with limited rainfall this month, the city has exhausted its diminished supply in the city’s reservoir.
Byford went on to say the city has focused on taking every step to extend the city’s water supply while seeking a lasting temporary solution capable of reaching usage similar to their daily need. He added that while it was inevitable that many options would not be possible, he shared there are some promising solutions being considered including exploring options with Webster and Crit-Liv Water Districts, as well as working with Princeton, Caldwell, and Crit-Liv on the prospects of funneling quantities sufficient to meet the City’s needs through the interconnection of these systems.
Upon hearing of the pending water shortage, the Kentucky Department of Emergency Management (KYEM) contacted local officials to help them with the process of requesting state assistance and an emergency declaration. According to the Beshear administration, state officials are expected to travel to Marion to discuss remedies with city officials and begin implementing a plan that will provide short- and long-term guidance to the city to ensure that families have access to water.
Lake George, the primary reservoir for Marion’s residents and businesses had to be drained at the end of April because of a levee failure. Officials say that — coupled with limited rainfall and unseasonably warm weather — has now caused the water shortage to become critical.
With the declaration of a state of emergency by the governor, the Kentucky Department of Emergency Management can begin to coordinate a response and relief activities and the Kentucky National Guard can mobilize the personnel and equipment that may be required.
Beshear’s administration said additional cabinets and state agencies can also act with the state of emergency in place. They said the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) has been tasked with assisting the City of Marion and Crittenden County to stop all nonessential uses of water, and the Finance and Administration Cabinet has been directed to provide assistance with resource management and to help with procurement or contracts necessary to deal with the water shortage.
On Friday, Mayor Byford declared a Stage 3 state of emergency. Under Stage 3 emergency provisions, all water usage should be limited to necessary activities of daily living, such as cooking, hygiene, washing clothes, etc. According to officials, activities to be avoided include washing vehicles, watering lawns, filling swimming pools, etc. Marion’s mayor said these limits are in effect until further notice.
Additionally, local officials said the city has formally applied for permission to proceed with plans to use Lucile Mine as a new water source.
According to officials, the recent rain has increased the City of Marion’s water supply from 8-10 days to a 20-22 day supply. Officials said they expect to have partial needs met by both Crittenden-Livingston Water and Webster County Water by late Saturday.
