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Resident says Edgemont was without reliable drinking water for nearly two weeks; council pledges review of communication and emergency response
Summary
A resident told Covington Council that many Edgemont households lacked reliable drinking water for about two weeks after a 10-inch line break; City Manager Allen Dressler acknowledged communication gaps and said staff will review emergency notification and response with police and state emergency officials.
Mary Ellen Haynes of 2340 South Church Avenue told the Covington City Council at its April 7 work session that Edgemont residents were without reliable drinking water for approximately two weeks following a South Covington line break and that the city’s response left many seniors without clear information.
"Residents were without reliable drinking water for approximately two weeks," Haynes said, criticizing limited updates, lack of bottled-water distribution and confusing guidance during a boil‑water advisory. She said many affected residents are seniors who may not use social media or have reliable transportation.
City Manager Allen Dressler acknowledged the strain on residents and said staff worked around the clock during the incident. Dressler said the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water, the Department of Environmental Quality and CSX were notified and that work near the railroad requires CSX approval. "Communication could be improved," he said, and he and Police Chief Chris Smith are reviewing options for broader community notification beyond social media and newspaper notices.
The consultant’s presentation earlier in the session described operational constraints that complicated the response: a 10‑inch water main break on or near CSX property and limited isolation valves made it difficult to isolate the failure. CHA recommended a written emergency protocol with CSX, installation of additional isolation valves and rerouting lines off railroad right‑of‑way where feasible.
What happens next: Dressler said staff will review emergency-water distribution options discussed with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and will return with proposals for improved communications and response procedures. No formal action was taken at the work session.
Ending: Council heard additional public questions about street conditions and potholes and was told staff will provide follow-up information; the next regular meeting is scheduled April 14, 2026.
