Lexington filed a complaint with the state Public Service Commission against Kentucky American Water over construction projects across the city.
The complaint alleges the utility’s construction work has been inadequate and insufficient for residents, has disrupted commerce and traffic and has damaged public and personal property.
"We have tried to work with Kentucky American on difficult construction projects, we have met with them, and we have repeatedly let them know that their work practices in Lexington are lacking and unacceptable,” Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said in a release from the city. “They don’t listen to us and they don’t listen to our residents. They have to listen to the Public Service Commission.”
Those include projects to repair water mains on Fontaine Road and North Limestone, plus construction work on South Upper Street, Bell Court and Corral Street.
In July, WEKU reported Kentucky American contractors damaged private sewer lines during their work on Fontaine Road, causing delays. No significant sewage leaks have been reported.
The complaint says Kentucky American has incurred nearly $270,000 in permit fees since 2019, and $27,000 dollars in 2026. Gorton said in the release she’s concerned the increased construction costs will be passed on to the utility’s customers.
The city is requesting the commission investigate Kentucky American’s construction policies, including an audit of its operations and management.
In a statement to WEKU, Kentucky American Water said it “firmly rejects the assertions made” in Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s complaint.
“Kentucky American Water firmly rejects the assertions made in LFUCG’s complaint. Our critical water main replacement work is conducted under LFUCG oversight and permit requirements, with safety, service reliability and responsible restoration at the forefront. We have consistently communicated and coordinated with LFUCG, customers and neighborhood representatives, and the claim that we have not listened or engaged is simply false,” the statement reads.
“Complex construction in densely populated areas and on busy streets requires careful coordination, and schedules can be affected by permitted work hours, weather and municipal processes. Investment in aging water infrastructure is essential to maintaining the safe, clean, reliable and affordable service our customers expect. Kentucky American Water stands behind its work and will address the complaint through the appropriate process. At this time, we will not comment on possible action by the Kentucky Public Service Commission,” it concludes.
Complaint’s timeline includes reports of injuries, automobile damage
According to the complaint, a cyclist was injured after falling into a poorly maintained and cordoned trench area that was part of Kentucky American’s South Upper Street project last year.
The complaint also says LFUCG received multiple reports of automobile damage caused by poor trench maintenance.
In May 2026, the city received a report an improperly placed steel plate at the North Limestone project was struck by a car, causing damage to the vehicle. The city also alleges trenches that were part of the utility’s Bell Court neighborhood project were poorly maintained, routinely causing damage to automobiles.
This story was updated at 5:04 p.m. Aug. 28 to include a statement from the utility, and again at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 28 to include more details from the complaint.
