City Preparing Now for Potential Summer Drought

MANCHESTER — While recent rainfall has helped replenish local water sources, Manchester city officials are already taking steps to prepare for the possibility of drought conditions later this summer.

Mayor Steve Collins said city leaders and the water department have been closely monitoring long-range weather forecasts, which indicate there is a possibility of below-average rainfall and drought conditions developing by late summer.

“If you don’t like the weather in Kentucky, just stick around, it will change within hours,” Collins said. “But we’ve been reading a lot of long-term weather forecasts, and there is a really good chance that we could face some drought conditions by the end of the summer.”

According to Collins, concerns began before the most recent round of rainfall arrived.

“Until we received this last rain, we were seeing water levels already dropping at the lake and Little Goose Creek River,” he said.

The City of Manchester relies on Bert T. Combs Lake as its primary water reservoir. To maintain adequate water levels in the lake, the city pumps water from Little Goose Creek River into the reservoir.

However, during extended periods of dry weather, river levels can drop to the point that the city’s pumps become ineffective, creating challenges for maintaining the reservoir's water supply.

To address that possibility, city officials are revisiting a strategy used during previous drought conditions.

In past years, the city has pumped water from an abandoned mine near Garrard into the river system to help maintain sufficient water levels for pumping operations.

Collins said the city is currently conducting water quality testing on the mine water to ensure it meets all necessary standards before it would ever be utilized.

“By doing this now, it prepares us in case we need to take that step,” Collins said. “We can have the water test approved, the pumps in place, and basically all we have to do is turn them on when a long-term forecast shows drought conditions.”

The proactive approach allows the city to avoid delays if drought conditions develop later in the year.

Rather than waiting until water levels become critical, officials hope to have all necessary permits, testing and equipment ready ahead of time.

Collins emphasized that protecting the city’s water supply remains one of his administration’s top priorities.  He says his staff is tremendous and have worked hard correcting water leaks that also helps the lake level.

“My main goal is to ensure the citizens of Manchester and Clay County continue to have fresh, clean water regardless of drought conditions,” he said.  “We have dedicated employees that will work night and day to make sure our citizens have water.  Our Water Plant Supervisor Josh Murphy and City Supervisor Mike White are a huge asset to our city and citizens.  Their leadership is simply tremendous.”

While no water shortages are currently anticipated, city officials said planning ahead now will help ensure the community remains prepared if dry weather becomes a concern in the coming months.