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Rare main water break in Richmond causes systemwide precaution

Madison County Courthouse
Stu Johnson
Madison County Courthouse

Repairs have been made to a water main line in Madison County and a boil water advisory put in place Thursday has been lifted. Richmond Utilities General Manager Scott Althauser said a break occurred in the 1963 main. “Unfortunately, it back flowed enough out of town to initiate a boil water advisory due to the pressure loss in town,” said Althauser.

Althauser said there are two interconnected water lines running to the Kentucky River. Althauser noted it’s only the second systemwide boil water advisory in his 14 years as GM. Althauser added bacteria tests are conducted in case any groundwater gets into the system. The utilities GM says fire suppression was not compromised.

Althauser said about 13,000 customers in the Richmond area plus many county residents were affected. Repairs were made to the line last night, but it took some time before the all-clear was issued.

Stu Johnson retired from WEKU in November, 2024 after reporting for the station for 40 years. Stu's primary beat was Lexington/Fayette government.
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