The Kentucky National Guard is helping distribute water in communities where many households are without due to bitter cold temperatures.
The governor’s office estimates more than 40,000 households in 18 counties were without water Tuesday.
Media report that the counties hit hardest include Harlan, Pike and Clay.
Some central Kentucky communities are also beginning to report water woes. On Monday night, Winchester Municipal Utilities issued a mandatory water conservation order.
Officials say multiple issues have led to shortages, including broken lines, power outages and people dripping faucets to keep pipes from freezing.
Temperatures over the past week have set record lows in some places. According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, high temperatures this week are expected to reach into the 20s and 30s.
