The City of Marion has released a water distribution schedule for residents as officials continue to discuss more viable options for alleviating the city’s water crisis.
Officials announced late Tuesday that local partners along with the National Guard will begin distributing water to city residents at the Old National Guard Armory, located at 131 Rochester Avenue. They indicate residents will be required to show their driver’s license when picking up water. They are also asking for this water to be used for drinking and cooking purposes. If you need to make special arrangements due to health or transportation, contact Marion City Hall at (270) 965-2266.
According to officials, when residents arrive at the Armory they need to pull the large parking lot and follow the posted signs.
The water will be distributed as follows from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day by using the first letter of your last name: A-G on Thursday, H-L on Friday, M-R on Monday, June 27, and S-Z on Tuesday, June 28.
City officials said Tuesday morning they have met with the Division of Water and the National Guard to discuss more viable options for alleviating the city’s water crisis. They noted the city currently has a 19-to-20-day supply of water, with no significant rain expected for the next 10 days. Because of this, Stage 3 emergency procedures remain in effect and city residents are asked to continue to limit water usage to necessary activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, washing laundry, cooking, etc., and to avoid unnecessary water usage such as watering lawns, washing vehicles, and filling swimming pools.
Officials also said the National Guard plans to coordinate a convoy to haul water from the Ohio and/or Cumberland rivers to City Lake to help support the city’s water supply, pending chemistry results of water samples from these locations. In addition, the state transportation cabinet will help with the preparations of City Lake. Officials indicate that the results from the water sample testing and the water hauling convoy should be available later this week. Additionally, officials say they expect partial water needs to be met by Crittenden-Livingston, Webster and Caldwell counties.
Last Friday, Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency for the City of Marion in order to provide any state resources needed to help with the water crisis.
