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BUTLER COUNTY WATER SYSTEM SUPPORTS EDUCATION
The Butler County Water System promotes education in the water supply field by offering an annual scholarship to a graduating high school senior. Loryn Robbins of Butler County High School was presented with a $1,000 scholarship to Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College for the 2023-2024 academic year.
“Loryn has demonstrated leadership and dedication as a student and as a member of her community,” said BCWS General Manager Jacob Cuarta. “She excelled academically through hard work while supporting extracurricular activities including cheerleading and serving on her church’s handbell choir. Loryn completed college courses while working at a long-term facility as a certified nursing assistant. We are excited to offer assistance as she furthers her higher education. This scholarship is another way that we can serve our community and our customers.”
In an effort to foster success of future water utility professionals the scholarship is offered to assist a Butler County high school senior pursuing further education in a related field. The scholarship is renewable for four years, as long as requirements are maintained.
For application and eligibility details, students should contact their high school guidance counselor or visit www.butlerwater.com.
About Butler County Water System
Butler Water serves a diverse blend of residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial water users. The system provides an average of 750,000 gallons of water each day through a network of 520 miles of pipeline in a 440-square-mile area. Butler Water draws its supply from the Green River which is then treated at its 2 million gallon per day treatment plant in Morgantown. Details about Butler Water can be found online at www.butlerwater.com.
BUTLER WATER CELEBRATES DRINKING WATER WEEK
Butler Water will join water utilities across the country to celebrate Drinking Water Week (May 7-13) by recognizing the vital role tap water plays in daily life, the infrastructure that is required to carry it to and from homes and businesses, and the important work of water professionals “behind the scenes” to provide reliable water service.
“Drinking Water Week provides an opportunity to recognize our most valuable resource and the team who delivers quality on tap 24/7. We can’t minimize the importance of a healthy water supply in our daily lives,” said Jacob Cuarta, Butler County Water System General Manager. “With the past few years, we reflect on the heroic work of all who place themselves in harm’s way to keep us healthy and safe. Butler Water encourages everyone to be actively aware of how they personally connect with water.”
To celebrate with the younger generation, Butler Water will host a coloring contest. First, second and third graders will be eligible to participate. Details can be found online at www.butlerwater.com or visit Butler Water’s office to receive an official coloring sheet. The entry deadline is May 19.
Drinking Water Week 2023 Campaign, which is hosted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), is a national advocacy event designed to focus on issues associated with drinking water, including making sure that individuals have fresh, safe tap water and knowledge of how valuable the resource is in their daily lives. Tap water plays a critical role in the success of society, from meeting basic public health needs by providing safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, to promoting dental health and supporting industrial, agricultural, medical, and recreational activities.
“We are proud of our team at Butler Water who work around the clock to bring safe, reliable water to residences and businesses, testing the water over 1,000,000 times a year to ensure quality,” Cuarta added, “This week gives us the opportunity to recognize their commitment to customers, quality service and public health. The coloring contest of our favorite mascot, Splash is a fun way to incorporate the future generation of water professionals and environmental stewards.”
About Butler County Water System
Butler Water serves a diverse blend of residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial water users. The system provides an average of 750,000 gallons of water each day through a network of 520 miles of pipeline in a 440-square-mile area. Butler Water draws its supply from the Green River which is then treated at its 2 million gallon per day treatment plant in Morgantown. Details about Butler Water can be found online at butlerwater.com.
NATIONAL DRINKING WATER WEEK COLORING CONTEST
SALES TAX LAW CHANGE
In the 2022 legislative session, Kentucky lawmakers enacted a change to sales tax laws. Beginning January 1, 2023, only a person’s “domicile” (primary residence) will be exempt from sales tax on utility services, including water bills. Kentucky will begin imposing a sales tax on other properties as of January 1, 2023.
If you are an existing customer with only ONE residential service address, your service address will be considered your “domicile” and will be exempt from sales tax. You are not required to file a form or contact our office.
The following person(s) must file Form 51A380 Declaration of Domicile
- Existing customers with two or more service addresses must declare which service location is their “domicile” address.
- New customers who establish service after January 1, 2023.
- Landlords who operate a single-family rental unit must submit a declaration signed by the tenant.
Available here is Form 51A380 Declaration of Domicile issued by the Department of Revenue for utility customers to declare whether the address listed on their bill is their primary residence.
The completed declaration form can be delivered to our office address at 1118 South Main Street, Suite 1, Morgantown, KY 42261; or mailed to P.O. Box 1488, Morgantown, KY 42261; or emailed to info@butlerwater.com
Information on the sales tax law change can be found on the Department of Revenue website here.
WARREN, SIMPSON, AND BUTLER WATER HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE
Warren County Water District, Simpson County Water District, and Butler County Water System received top honor at the seventh annual Excellence in Resourcefulness Awards in Marco Island, Florida last month presented by Frost & Sullivan. The award recognizes utilities and municipalities using innovative products and services to minimize electric, gas, and water waste.
Serving a combined 40,800 residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial customers throughout 2,110 miles of distribution main – Warren, Simpson and Butler Water were recognized for their collaboration to reduce water loss water and improve connectivity throughout their service areas.
“Our team was proud to accept this award. The team began the implementation of modernizing water meter reads in all three water districts four years ago with Itron,” stated Jacob Cuarta, General Manger. “Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and leak detection technology enabled employees to read meters remotely, safely, and accurately via wireless signals. Advanced acoustical leak sensors were strategically placed to assist in identifying leaks in main lines and services before potential major interruptions.”
Since October 2018, the leak sensors have saved the water districts over 76 million gallons of water and over 20.6 million gallons for customers. The deployment of both AMR and AMI systems will continue to reduce meter reading costs, increase billing accuracy, enhance customer service and reduce water loss for Warren, Simpson and Butler Water.
“Warren, Simpson and Butler Water installed a combined 13,600 Itron acoustic leak sensors that are seamlessly integrated with the AMR and AMI system,” Cuarta added. “Since the commencement of this project, we have detected 371 leaks (equivalent to 76 million gallons of water) and have been able to notify 916 customers about leakage problems at the customer end. Savings from non-revenue water can be used for financing further infrastructure development that will serve the community as a whole.”
As part of the selection process, Frost & Sullivan conducted in-depth research and interviews and evaluated utilities against industry best practices and the decision criteria, including societal impact and business impact for each category. Indicators for societal impact included improving customer awareness and participation, enabling behavioral change to reduce waste through customer engagement and technology-driven programs, and yielding impressive waste reduction results that benefit the overall served community. Indicators for business impact included drafting a clear vision to address excessive waste through technology implementation, achieving operational effectiveness as a result of a successful strategy for sustainability, and strengthening a utility’s brand image as a leader for sustainability.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community.
About Itron
Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely, and reliably deliver critical infrastructure services to communities in more than 100 countries. Our portfolio of smart networks, software, services, meters and sensors helps our customers better manage electricity, gas and water resources for the people they serve. By working with our customers to ensure their success, we help improve the quality of life, ensure the safety and promote the well-being of millions of people around the globe. Itron is dedicated to creating a more resourceful world.
About Warren, Simpson and Butler Water
Warren, Simpson and Butler Water are public water utilities serving more than a combined 40,800 customers and transporting over 10 million gallons a day throughout the three county region. There are over 2,110 miles of water mains in the service areas, which span over a total of 1,300 square miles.
REINFORCING HEALTHY HABITS
The Wash Your Hands campaign, launches in-conjunction with Global Handwashing Day on October 15, to reinforce healthy habits within the community. The annual campaign is sponsored by Butler County Water System, Warren County Water District, Simpson County Water District and the Barren River District Health Department. This community wide Wash Your Hands campaign brings attention to proper handwashing in an effort to keep our community healthy.
“The Barren River District Health Department works to help our communities stay at their optimal health and we are always eager to form partnerships with other organizations that are interested in promoting healthy lifestyles – that’s why this alliance with Simpson, Warren and Butler Water has proven to be successful in the past. Our outreach is stronger when we band together and is even more important during a pandemic,” stated Ashley Lillard, Barren River District Health Department Director for Population Health.
The wash your hands campaign provides free mirror clings for schools, daycares, businesses and other organizations to use in their facilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, handwashing is the single most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness to others.
General Manager Jacob Cuarta is pleased to launch this campaign once again with BRDHD. “The fight against any virus impacts our community and by reinforcing our messaging to properly wash hands for at least 20 seconds will lessen the spread. Frequent and proper hand hygiene is one of the most important things we can all do to prevent infection. Good health is in your hands.”
To receive free mirror clings/posters for your school/daycare, business or organization stop by the offices of Butler County Water System, Warren County Water District, Simpson County Water District or the Barren River District Health Department.
For Wash Your Hands campaign details visit www.butlerwater.com, www.warrenwater.com, www.simpsonwater.com or www.barrenriverhealth.org
About Butler, Warren and Simpson Water
Butler, Warren and Simpson Water are public water utilities serving more than a combined 38,000 customers and transporting over 10 million gallons a day throughout the three county region. There are over 2,000 miles of water mains in the service areas, which span over a total of 1,300 square miles.
