The City of Marion is continuing to look into interconnections with neighboring systems to address the water supply crisis caused by a leak in the Lake George Dam.
Marion officials indicate the city has roughly a ten-day water supply. They say the Kentucky National Guard resumed their bulk water convoy operation Wednesday. The water access point has been moved from the Cumberland River to the Tradewater River off U.S. 60 at the Crittenden-Union County Line. Officials add this effort is delivering 40,000 to 80,000 gallons of raw water to Old City Lake to be available for treatment.
Officials said the interconnection efforts provided a spot of good news Wednesday when it was determined inflow to the Marion plant from the Crittenden-Livingston County Water District could be increased. They note with conservation efforts by Marion water customers, Crittenden-Livingston is now providing 15% of the City’s water usage.
On Tuesday, officials approved funding and authorized engineers to establish a roughly 3-mile line that would offer a new interconnection between the Caldwell Water District and the City. This would deliver more water being directly provided by increased production in Princeton. They said that studies showed the existing interconnection was not going to produce the benefit previously suggested.
Late last week, Officials indicate the City of Marion authorized engineers operating in conjunction with the Pennyrile Allied Development District (PADD), Sturgis and Crittenden-Livingston to build a 1-mile line to interconnect the systems and offer another source to increase regional supply.
On Wednesday, the City worked out the next steps with BFW engineers to complete topography mapping of the Lake George basin for potential plans to place the lower bowl back in usable operations in a safe manner.
In addition, the use of the Lucille Mine as a water source has reportedly received preliminary approval, while finalizing potential methods to treat the water if possible which will include controlled flushing of mine water at some point.
Meanwhile, Marion officials said the water distribution schedule has been changed. Those with the last name A-M can pick up bottled water Thursday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Those with the last name N-Z can pick up bottled water on Friday during the same time frame. Bottled water distribution is at the Old National Guard Armory located at 131 Rochester Avenue. Officials are asking for this water to be used for drinking and cooking purposes.
