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Officials: recent "brown water" caused by water-hammer event; county to conduct systematic flushing
Summary
Officials told the Oldham County Fiscal Court that a recent power loss caused a water-hammer event that stirred sediment and led to temporary brown water in parts of the county. The water company flushed lines, is coordinating with the Division of Water and plans systematic flushing this spring and summer; customers were advised to run cold water from high-flow taps if they see discoloration.
Oldham County officials told the fiscal court on March 17 that recent reports of brown or discolored tap water were the result of a water-hammer event triggered by a power outage that disturbed sediment in distribution lines.
Magistrate Jeff said crews worked overnight to flush the system and that the county is coordinating with the Division of Water and consultants to develop plans to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents. He stressed that the water is safe to drink but that sediment can make water appear brown; customers should call the water company if discoloration occurs and run cold water from a high-flow faucet to clear service lines.
Magistrate Wooley read a statement from the water company describing the incident: a shock wave in the pipes stirred sediment, crews flushed the system around the clock, they will notify customers ahead of planned flushing, and they will work with consultants and the Division of Water to implement preventive measures. The company advised that discoloration can persist in customer service lines and recommended running a bathtub faucet or outside spigot for higher flow when clearing lines.
County officials said they will schedule systematic flushing this spring and summer and notify customers in advance.
