Louisville Water Wraps up Emergency Response to Eastern Kentucky Flooding

Team helped restore water main system in hard-hit Hazard

Louisville Water’s team that responded to the devastating floods in Perry County, Kentucky has returned to work here at home. Kentucky’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (KYWARN) called on more than 20 utilities across the state to repair water infrastructure in eastern Kentucky. KYWARN requested Louisville Water’s help specifically in Hazard, which suffered catastrophic damage to its water main system.

Over the course of three weeks, Louisville Water worked alongside other utilities to restore water service to thousands of residents. The team provided organizational and logistical support. They toured and assessed the damage to determine the next steps.

Altogether, they completed more than 80 repairs. This included fixing damaged or exposed mains, pressurizing and flushing water mains, repairing pipes and service lines, and locating valves. In addition, crew members tackled five separate sites to repair water mains and in some cases, install new sections of water main.

“This would be overwhelming for any community. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Jefferson County or Perry County, an event like this would be devastating and overwhelming,” said Louisville Water’s Director of Distribution Operations, Joe Schmitt.

We’re pleased to report that according to Hazard Mayor Happy Mobelini, 97% of water service has been restored to the area. While Louisville Water’s work is done for now, we are ready to respond to future recovery efforts if needed.

Louisville Water has also set aside a $25,000 donation to help the recovery efforts in eastern Kentucky.