Water is a Vital Asset to Investing in our Communities

Water is a necessity. We use it daily in our personal lives. Countless businesses and industries rely on it to operate. The recent water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi exposed a long history of serious cracks in the city’s system to provide safe, clean drinking water to the community. It shined a light on what can happen when utilities and government entities don’t invest in infrastructure. A recent article in Louisville Business First highlights how valuable Louisville Water’s investment is for our city and the surrounding areas.

The most basic services and needs are often the ones we take for granted – water included.

Many eastern Kentucky towns are reeling from the devastation that struck on July 28. Torrential flooding killed at least 40 people, swept away homes, left thousands without power and destroyed parts of the infrastructure that delivers drinking water.

Along with more than 20 Kentucky utilities, Louisville Water Company crews responded to support the individuals and families in need, only reinforcing the important role water plays in our communities.

Water is the lifeline to Kentucky’s signature industries and is a key part of the state’s economic future. That’s why our partnerships with businesses, professional associations and water districts go beyond Louisville.

In May 2022, the Kentucky Legislature approved $35 million to be matched by Louisville Water to complete infrastructure improvements in the region. This legislative success would not have been possible without the coalition of support from regional water suppliers, economic development professionals and elected officials.

This first-of-its-kind investment and innovative partnership proves we are stronger when advocating for infrastructure improvements – together.

The legislative announcement builds on several new developments in surrounding areas, including the $5.8 billion investment in the BlueOvalSK Battery Park coming to Hardin County, creating 5,000 jobs for the area, and the $135 million Heaven Hill Distillery coming to Bardstown and Nelson County, creating 38 full-time jobs and promising to increase tourism to the region.

Our partnerships outside of Jefferson County have been in place for years with companies including Third Turn Brewing, The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass and thousands of residential customers.

“Water is crucial, it’s everything,” said Mike Burress, head brewer at Third Turn Brewing. “If you want your beer to be soft on your palate or if you want it to be a little sharper, you’ve got to control the water. And Louisville Water is fantastic for that.”