INEZ, Ky. — The Martin County Water District has responded to comments made during an August 29 public hearing about the utility’s troubles.

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has been conducting an investigation of the water company since April of 2016. The PSC has been looking into Martin County Water’s long history of water loss and failure to conduct adequate maintenance, testing and management practices.

During a hearing in Inez back in August, numerous people rose to accuse the water company of providing them with unsafe drinking water. Several complained of skin rashes caused by the water, and several voiced concerns about drinking the water, bathing in it, or using it to clean medical supplies.

In its responses, the company admitted that it does not have enough money to cover operating expenses due to its current debt load. However, the responses also state that the utility has changed several of its practices, which have resulted in the company falling into compliance for the amount of disinfectant byproducts in its water.

Martin County Water has also received a $1.2 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to replace failing water lines and meters in the Warfield, Beauty and Wolf Creek areas, which is expected to significantly reduce water loss.

[su_document url=”http://psc.ky.gov/PSCSCF/2016%20cases/2016-00142/20171005_Martin%20County%20Water%20District%20Response%20to%20Comments.pdf”]