Paducah Water gradually replaces aging infrastructure

PADUCAH — Paducah Water is working to restore the city’s aging water infrastructure and has worked to do so for several years. While upgrading the water infrastructure system, the company faces challenges like staffing and declining water sales.

Currently, the company is on the last leg of its 15-month Midtown Water Main Replacement project.

The project includes 3.5 miles of water main replacements and new meters and service lines along Broadway Street and Jefferson Street. As of July, the company is replacing water mains between North 26th Street and North 25th Street, along Broadway.

Paducah Water General Manager Jason Peterson said the infrastructure is something the city must continually reinvest in.

“Our approach is repairs, replacement for longevity, not just a band aid approach,” Peterson said. “We’re continually replacing hydrants, replacing meters and meter boxes, entire neighborhoods of water main.”

With more 700 miles of water main and approximately 4,700 fire hydrants, Peterson said the aging infrastructure will need to be dealt with as the company sees fit by more projects like the Midtown Water Main Replacement.

“It’s something that we’re, you know, focused on staying ahead of and keeping up with because water is a 24/7 need for our customers,” he said.

Paducah Mayor George Bray said Paducah Water replaces water mains and pipes as needed based on test results and the longevity of different parts.

“Sometimes pipe that was laid in the 1970s ages out sooner than something that was laid in the 1800s. So, really they have to test the piping constantly to determine what really needs to be replaced,” Bray said.

As Paducah Water continuously upgrades infrastructure, the company also works to maintain staffing and make up for declining water sales.

Peterson said Paducah Water is specifically focused on recruitment, retention, and retirement. Within the next 15 months, the company could have up to eight members retiring.

“We’re in the process of filling those voids and filling larger shoes through promotions,” Peterson explained.

Despite challenges with staffing, Peterson said Paducah Water is not short field workers because of the board’s diligence.

“We hire in anticipation of turnover,” he said. “Our board has been very proactive in staffing to make sure that we don’t have significant gaps and lack of expertise.”

Peterson said water utilities across the country have seen a decline in sales, including Paducah Water.

“We believe it’s attributed to the water conservation measures that were put in place in the early ’90s,” he said.

Water efficient dishwashers, faucets, and showers all factor into the decline in sales.

“As older houses are remodeled and fixtures are replaced, we’re just seeing a continually downward turn in the water usage per fixture or per residence,” Peterson said.

He explained that a fixed capital reinvestment fee that is applied to water bills will “stem the tide of that downturn.”

In response to a recent issue of murky drinking water in Paducah, Bray said unpredictable issues like this are precisely why it’s beneficial to have a company like Paducah Water treating the city’s system.

“These are things that occur from time to time, and our Paducah Water is very aware of those and on top of it,” he said.

Peterson said the company had a meeting about the water odor and appearance Wednesday and will adjust its treatment.