News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A broken 12-inch water line drained Monterey’s water supply and forced schools to close Thursday.
Water Plant Supervisor Duane Jarrett said residents should begin boiling water when the supply begins to return throughout the day.
“We don’t want you to drink it. We want you to boil it first until you hear from us,” Jarrett said. “We need to flush the lines out real good and check the chlorine levels and run some bacteria tests before we turn this loose.”
A Water Boil Advisory has been issued for the entire Monterey Water System, including customers in the areas of Phifer Mountain Road, Sand Springs, Rocky Point and adjacent areas.
Jarrett said the line broke behind Save-A-Lot after second shift left work Wednesday night.
“This one was just a perfect storm type of deal,” Jarrett said. “It drained the tanks it about two hours, about a million and a half gallons of water went away pretty quick.”
Jarrett said pressure should start going back into the lines and tank as crews begin valving off around the leak area.
“Over the next few hours we do anticipate people starting to get their water back, but we just don’t want them to drink it yet,” Jarrett said.
Jarrett encouraged residents to contact city hall or the water plant with any questions.
