Chuckey Utility District was able to begin some water distribution to residents south of the river Saturday.
Tyson Lamb said that Chuckey crews had been able to secure around 6000 gallons of fresh drinking water and had been able to physically pull a supply line across Earnest Bridge on Chuckey Pike. Up to 10 gallons of fresh drinking water was being provided to those who brought clean containers.
That distribution ended at dark Saturday night, but was expected to resume Sunday morning. Lamb said additional water may also be available, and depending on the opening of bridges, the service might continue.
Fortunately, the Asheville Highway and Newport Highway bridges were opened and cleared for traffic on Saturday night. That will open up the ability to bring those tankers and other water supplies to different areas with different amounts. Plans are in place for distribution areas for bottled water.
In the meantime, residents can go to the south side of Earnest Bridge on the Chuckey Pike. Residents are reminded this is DRINKING WATER only, and is not intended to be used for flushing toilets or washing clothes or bathing. The supply will be limited, especially at first. You must bring a CLEAN container. Water cannot be distributed into containers that could contaminate it or make it unsuitable for drinking.
