Jerry Feather, operator of the Parksville Water District, has declared a water emergency.
Both pumps that serve water to the Alum Springs and Forkland areas are not operating. A diesel generator has been ordered but had not yet arrived at mid-morning Monday. The district will no be able to produce the volume of water needed for normal use, he said.
“We are asking people to please very strictly conserve water until further notice,” he said.
One pump was overhauled 10 months ago, and it was determined to replace a second one, installed in 1995, because repairs would cost as much as a replacement.
The second pump has not yet arrived. The newly repaired pump broke and will likely have to be replaced as well.
“As of this time yesterday, everything was fine,” Feather said.
High water use because of the recent dry, hot weather may have overtaxed the remaining pump to the breaking point.
A boil-water advisory may be issued if the water completely runs out, he said, but none has been issued at this time.
Feather could not say how long it may take to resolve the issue.
Parksville Water District is at 10711 Lebanon Road. The phone number is (859) 332-2255.
