Ardmore boil water still in effect; TVA sending water to communities

ARDMORE — The water situation in Ardmore is still tenuous, but improving.

“We gained a little ground on getting water in the tanks last night,” the Limestone County Water and Sewer Authority said in a statement. “Filling tanks is a slow process and takes several days to regain our total capacity. Monday, we found a lot of leaks on the customer side of the meter. This morning, the meters reporting leaks have been less than they have been, so hopefully, the system can continue building pressure.

“The system has only had two minor main breaks in the northwestern portion through this weather event.”

The agency said its primary concern over the next few days is the freeze/thaw cycle of the ground and the rain moving in. As the temperature changes, soils contract and expand, putting additional strain on water mains. Water systems can see more main breaks occur during those weather cycles.

To help remedy the situation facing Ardmore and other residents across North Alabama, the Tennessee Valley Authority has delivered bottled water to the communities impacted by the extremely cold conditions.

Throughout last week’s winter weather event, TVA said its emergency preparedness staff and Regional Relations Team remained in contact with the North Alabama Mutual Aid Association.

“After receiving requests from elected officials and EMAs in communities that were encountering water shortages and boil advisories, TVA worked to quickly facilitate the delivery of cases safe drinking water,” the authority said. “The efforts started on Friday, continued through the weekend, and resumed today. TVA was able to fulfill these requests in less than 24 hours and about 6,500 cases are being distributed.

• Ardmore – 10 pallets
• Leighton – 10 pallets
• Lexington – 10 pallets
• Stevenson – 8 pallets
• West Lauderdale County – 5 pallets
• West Lawrence County – 5 pallets

For Ardmore, the boil order is still in effect, the LCWSA said.

“The area is still under the original boil order; we have not extended the order,” it said. “The original order is applicable until testing is completed, and the testing has a 24-hour turnaround time.