Louisville Water Crews Surviving the Heat Wave

Summer is kicking it up a notch with blazing heat this week. Staying cool and hydrated is especially important for those who have to work outside in the dangerous temperatures. That includes Louisville Water crews.

“Take a lot of breaks. Work for about an hour, maybe take a 10 to 15 minute break, work another hour,” said Plumber Leader Jason McGinty.

He’s used to the Kentucky summers after working for Louisville Water for 23 years.

“I think we get one week of this (heat wave) every year.”

McGinty’s crew fills up a five-gallon cooler of Louisville Pure Tap® every morning before they head to the work site. “We’ve got the best water in the world, so it’s easy not to have to get bottled water,” he said. “Make sure everybody stays hydrated. That’s the main thing for me.”

With 24 years under his belt, Plumber Leader Shawn Shaw has a similar routine.

“We try to stay in the shade as much as we can and drink as much water as we can and stay hydrated on hot days like today.”

Shaw added, “Whenever we get hot, we get in the (air-conditioned)  truck and try to cool down a bit.”

Shaw keeps extra cooling power on his truck with a pair of fans.

McGinty keeps a portable tent on hand in case the sun gets unbearable.

So if you see Louisville Water crews working in your neighborhood, try to be patient and know they are doing their best to keep the Pure Tap flowing.

Follow these Pure Tap pro-tips to keep your body hydrated.

• Drink before you’re thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, your body has lost up to five cups of water.
• Grab a reusable water bottle. Keep a reusable bottle with you. Fill, drink, and repeat throughout the day. Pure Tap is the best value to stay hydrated, costing less than a penny a gallon. You also may want to fill and freeze a plastic water bottle so you can drink refreshing Pure Tap as the ice melts.
• Drink regularly if you’re working in the heat. Drink one cup (8 oz.) every 15-20 minutes.
• Drink water when sweating. Anytime you sweat, your body is losing water. Hydrate before, during, and after exercise.
• Don’t mistake thirst for hunger. It’s easy to confuse the two because sometimes you may feel hungry, but your body is actually thirsty.
• Don’t forget to keep your pets hydrated too!

Benefits of water:

• Helps your body maintain a normal temperature
• Lubricates and cushions joints
• Eliminates bodily waste through perspiration, urination, and bowel movements

Signs of dehydration:

• Dry mouth, tongue, cracked lips
• Extreme thirst
• Dark-colored urine
• Dizziness and/or headaches
• Trouble concentrating or mental confusion
• Fatigue