The Water Supply Story

Is There a Water Supply Deficit?

Most of us take water for granted. In the Bluegrass, we are fortunate to have ample rainfall in most months, which is evident through the lush green landscapes our region is internationally known for. But, there have been years in which water was not so plentiful, and our options to supply water were few. The day-to-day demand for water is increasing with growth in the central Kentucky area.

Water, in all its forms, is an important part of our way of life. It hydrates us and helps nourish our bodies, is crucial for sanitation, and helps us maintain attractive surroundings. Additionally, water is needed for many businesses to operate, making it an important part of our strong economy.

At Kentucky American Water, we go to great lengths to do our job well-instantly providing you clean, fresh water every time you turn on your tap. However, there have been times, such as when rainfall has decreased or demand is up, that supply has barely met the need.

There are several serious threats to the supply of clean water brought to the homes and businesses in central Kentucky. Because the lack of water could significantly impact our way of life, it must promptly be addressed.

Kentucky American Water first identified the need for an additional source of water to serve the Bluegrass more than 20 years ago. The three greatest concerns regarding water supply for the region are a severe drought, increased demand and an unreliable source of water supply.

There have been a number of technical studies conducted by governmental bodies, water utilities, and other groups about the water supply over the years, and links to some reports are listed at the end of this section. Recently William E. Grier, PE, of the Kentucky River Authority, wrote a three-part series about the water supply issue for Business Lexington that provides an overview of the threats to our supply by drought and unreliable sources.

But perhaps the greatest evidence of the need for a better water supply is the extraordinary efforts taken by water utilities throughout central Kentucky to unite in 1999 to study and resolve this issue. All have the mandate of providing water for the customers they serve. And, all share concerns that, for one reason or another, alternate water sources are needed for a reliable supply.

Kentucky American Water has actively participated in and helped fund The Bluegrass Water Supply Commission (BWSC), as the group is now known. In 2004, BWSC released its Water System Regionalization Feasibility Study, which outlined the need for a new system to improve access to and treatment and distribution of water for central Kentucky water districts. The report detailed the need for 67 million gallons per day (mgd) in additional treated water for the central Kentucky region and options for creating a regional solution to the problem.

The key objectives of the study were:

• Optimizing regional water supplies using a grid network of water pipelines to move water
• Bringing "on line" highly reliable sources of additional water supply within three to five years
• Developing an affordable financial plan with fairly apportioned costs
• Implementing a fair and flexible management/ownership approach
• Utilizing a comprehensive program of public participation and outreach to communicate the study process and findings.

Beginning in 2002, public workshops on the water supply issue were held in Lexington, Georgetown, Frankfort, Nicholasville and Winchester. The sessions provided a forum for citizen input and an opportunity for consumers to gain additional information about the water supply issue.

In addition, Bluegrass Area Development District provided updates in its newsletter, the commission provided regular updates to elected officials and several meetings were held with the Kentucky River Authority, Kentucky Division of Water and Kentucky Infrastructure Authority to communicate the status of the survey and get their input. Further, extensive press coverage has documented the process and announced the public forums.

Based on this and other extensive research, it is clear that a major deficit in water supply currently exists and steps to address it must be taken.

Kentucky American Water has received a mandate from the Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates and oversees publicly owned utilities, to develop a solution to the water supply situation.

PSC Order No. 93-434 dated August 12, 1997 states:
Kentucky American shall take the necessary and appropriate measures to obtain source of supply so that the quantity and quality of water delivered to its distribution system shall be sufficient to adequately, dependably and safely supply the total reasonable requirements of its customers under maximum consumption through the year 2020.

In accordance with the PSC directive, we plan to build an additional water treatment plant to provide our customers with ample water supplies through the year 2020 and beyond.

The Importance of Central Kentucky's Water Supply

Kentucky American Water meets slightly more than half of the water demand for the central Kentucky water districts, as outlined in the BWSC report. Our service area includes a portion of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Jessamine, Owen, Scott, and Woodford counties.

Our water not only quenches the thirst of residents in those counties, it helps fuel the jobs and services that people throughout the region rely on. For instance, Fayette County serves as the workplace for nearly 50,000 out-of-county residents. Toyota, in Scott County, has approximately 7,000 team members who live in about 75 counties. The plant has 90 suppliers based in Kentucky and has generated 35,000 jobs in the state. Sixty-four percent of the adults and children needing the life-and-death services of Lexington's tertiary hospitals reside outside the county. And Kentucky American Water serves the more than 2.6 million visitors who spend at least one night at an area hotel, shop in our stores, eat in our restaurants and attend sporting events throughout the year.

As a result of our growing interdependence, the water supply issue is a regional one that requires cooperation and support of many in this part of the state to assure the quality of life we enjoy is maintained or enhanced for generations to come.