Mercer County floods force drinking water giveaway

Crews distribute water at fairgrounds as emergency supply dwindles

HARRODSBURG, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Historic floods are impacting numerous communities across Kentucky—and also having a major effect on clean drinking water.

It’s a challenge residents in Mercer County are currently faced with. On Monday, officials in Harrodsburg worked to address that issue. A long line of cars and multiple pallets of drinking water—that was the scene at the Mercer County Fairgrounds as crews worked to distribute water to the community.

Members from the National Guard, Kentucky State Police, and the local fire department all worked together to get drinking water to Mercer County residents as a line of cars wrapped down the street.

“We went through 20 pallets of water with about 48 cases on a pallet, we blew through it in about 3-4 hours time,” said Brad Cox, Director of Mercer County Emergency Management, “we’ve got 2 more semi-trucks on the way, so that’ll be 4 semi truck loads of water today,” said Cox.

Truckloads of drinking water from State Emergency Management arrived after city officials say they had to shut down their water treatment plant due to flooding.

The county is currently running on its stored water supply—but officials say that only lasts for 24 hours. Those in line Monday made the trip for water not just for themselves, but for their families and neighbors.

“Just to make sure that I not only have some for myself by my friends, and neighbors people like that,” said Bruce Bowman, a Mercer County resident.

Bowman says he’s lived in Harrodsburg for 15 years. When asked if he’s seen flooding like this before, he said:

“No, In my 72 years of living I haven’t seen flooding like this.”

Officials say the water handout is scheduled to wrap up at 7 p.m. Monday evening, they’re urging those in the community to conserve water.