During a recent government meeting, officials expressed growing concerns over the deteriorating state of the county's water infrastructure, particularly the aging iron pipes that have led to a significant increase in main breaks. The discussion highlighted that the county has approximately 100 miles of these pipes, many of which are over 70 years old, raising alarms about the potential for widespread failures.

Commissioners emphasized the need to reassess the current rate structure for water services, suggesting that the existing fees may not be sufficient to cover the costs of necessary repairs and replacements. The county's water fund is already under strain due to ongoing infrastructure improvements and the management of contaminants, known as \"forever chemicals.\" Officials noted that while a 7% rate increase was approved last year, the frequency of main breaks—averaging one per day—indicates that a more proactive approach is needed to avoid drastic rate hikes in the future.

The meeting revealed that the county has experienced a spike in main breaks, with 15 occurring in just one month, attributed to a combination of old pipes and the pressure fluctuations during repairs. This situation has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of the water system's infrastructure and financial planning to ensure sustainable service delivery.

Officials acknowledged the urgency of the matter, stating that reliable water service is a top priority for the government. They plan to conduct further discussions on the rate structure and explore potential funding opportunities, including grants, to address the pressing infrastructure needs. The consensus was clear: without immediate action, the county risks facing a much larger crisis in the near future.