On July 16, the Rochester Dam Regional Water Commission (RDRWC) celebrated the renovation project of the Rochester Dam, a vital water supply to the region.  The repairs are slated for completion in November.  With the dam preservation, the pool levels will be stabilized ensuring 50,000 residents in Ohio, Butler and Muhlenberg Counties with continued safe drinking water.

“The Rochester Dam constructed in the 1830s, served our region for nearly two centuries.  The project became a priority to secure necessary funding to repair and stabilize the dam. We are currently in the second phase of the project with continued repairs and final steps to secure an old mill. The last phase involves adding a barrier to the protect the dam and stabilizing original water levels,” explained John Dix, Secretary for RDRWC and General Manager of Butler County Water System, Inc. “The stability of this dam is crucial for our water supply along with supporting thousands of jobs in the region.”

“In the beginning, the Rochester Dam appeared to be an unsolvable problem, but local leaders took responsibility to make this project a priority.  With their leadership and drive to keep the renovation on our radar at the state level, Senator McConnell and I were able to secure funding. This is an excellent example of work being done within the House and Senate for rural America that will impact the water supply to 50,000 residents in the region,” said Brett Guthrie, U.S. Congressman.

On October 1, 2015, the RDRWC entered a twenty-five year management lease with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to preserve the Rochester Dam, enabling RDRWC to protect and preserve the pool level. USACE provided guidance and studies over the years resulting in approved funding from strong partnerships among citizens and government officials.

Through multiple legislative measures utilizing his role as Senate Majority Leader and as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell helped mobilize federal resources to protect this vital water source. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “What I enjoy most about my job is projects like this that will meet the needs of Kentucky.  I commend local leadership for your dedication and vision forming strategic partnerships to make this project come to fruition. Compliments to Congressman Guthrie on helping to move this along in the House of Representatives. Congratulations to everyone involved with this project including the residents who will have a secure water supply.”

“Thanks to the support and leadership from our state and local elected officials, we have forged new partnerships necessary to stabilize and repair the Rochester Dam.  We appreciate the continued commitment of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie along with our state representatives for their support to protect our water source for the region,” said Weymouth Martin, Chairman of the RDRWC.  “The $4 million project would not be possible without the allocation of a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. The remainder of the project costs will be covered by a $1 million loan through Kentucky Rural Water Finance Corporation.

The Rochester Dam Regional Water Commission was formed in 2013 through a collaboration of county and utility leaders serving Ohio, Butler, and Muhlenberg Counties. The mission of the RDRWC is to provide an adequate and dependable supply of water for the region which derives its water supply from Pool 3 of the Green River.

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Images Courtesy of the Office of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell for Kentucky

Butler Water delivers drinking water through a network of pipes to your business. After the water flows through the meter, building owners are responsible for maintaining water quality.

As buildings reopen, businesses, schools and property management teams will begin restarting systems that have been empty or under used. Properly flushing plumbing is essential before reoccupying.

Flushing water lines and water using appliances, is an easy way to ensure that high water quality is maintained. It moves older water, that has been sitting in the pipes, out of the building and brings in fresh water.

Flushing is easy, follow the steps below.

Butler Water commends the hardworking men and women who help ensure that tap water is “There When You Need It” during Drinking Water Week held May 3-9.

Butler Water, American Water Works Association and water utilities nationwide will observe Drinking Water Week 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”.

Reliable water service used for hygiene, hydration and cooking is critical to our health and safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Health organizations recommend that normal hygienic practices, including handwashing for 20 seconds, may play an important role in slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

“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 John Dix, BCWS General Manager.
“During these difficult times, we reflect on the heroic work of all who place themselves in harm’s way to keep us healthy and safe. Simpson Water encourages everyone to be actively aware of how they personally connect with water.”

Drinking Water Week 2020 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 130,000 times a month to ensure quality,” Dix added, “This week gives us the opportunity to recognize their commitment to customers, quality service and public health.”

Effective immediately, Butler Water will limit the operating hours for drive through window services due to COVID-19 precautions.  Butler Water will offer drive through window services on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:30 p.m. As announced last week, our lobby will remain closed to public access. Customers are encouraged to make payments by utilizing our website, text, or automated phone system. Payments may also be deposited in our after-hours payment box located in our drive through.

Butler Water has equipped our front-line employees with additional supplies to keep thier hands and work areas clean throughout the day.  To avoid unnecessary contact, we encourage all customers to take advantage of our online services. For payments, questions, or other services, please visit www.butlerwater.com or call 270-526-4656.  

Thank you for your patience as we stay committed to providing water 24/7, while keeping the safety and health of the community our top priority. 

To promote education in the region while reinforcing efforts to support development of a quality workforce, Butler County Water System is launching a $1,000 scholarship program. The scholarship, awarded annually, will go to Butler County graduates planning to attend Western Kentucky University or South Central Kentucky Community & Technical College (Franklin/Bowling Green campuses).

“The service we provide is closely linked to the quality of life in Butler County and to the young people who are educated here,” said Weymouth Martin, President, BCWS Board of Directors. “We see this scholarship as one more way we can serve our community and our customers.”

The 2020 Butler County graduating seniors will be the first group eligible for the BCWS scholarship. The scholarship is renewable for four years, as long as scholarship requirements are maintained.

The scholarship program will be administered by the College Heights Foundation at Western Kentucky University.

“We are excited about Butler Water joining the other civic organizations, companies, and strong alumni base that already support scholarships for students. We look forward to contributing our assistance in their scholarship program,” said Donald Smith, President of the College Heights Foundation at WKU.

For application and eligibility details, students should contact their high school guidance counselor or visit bulterwater.com. The deadline for scholarship applications has been extended to May 15, 2020.

About Butler County Water System, Inc.

Butler Water serves a diverse blend of residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial water users. The system provides an average of 900,000 gallons of water each day through a network of 528 miles of pipeline in a 440-square-mile area. Butler Water draws its supply from the Green River which is then treated at it’s 2 million gallon per day treatment plant in Morgantown. Details about Butler Water can be found online at butlerwater.com.