State investigates Martin County water system

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – The Kentucky Public Service Commission has launched an investigation on the Martin County Water District.

The Lexington Herald Leader (http://bit.ly/1VQZe5G ) reports that the agency announced the investigation Monday following concerns of water quality, loss of water and service interruptions.

The agency says it has identified chronic problems including routine maintenance and failure to follow management practices.

According to the agency, the district’s water-loss rate has topped 60 percent in recent years. The agency has identified leaks in distribution lines as one of the common causes for the water loss.

Water district business manager Joe Hammond says the system faces challenges because of a lack of money and employees. He says the system is committed to making improvements.

The agency says that it has investigated the district twice before and has ordered changes.

___

Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.