Lexington – September 25, 2026 -- Kentucky American Water restored water service to approximately 200 homes in Harlan County within 50 hours after flash flooding tore water lines from the ground in the Ages and Brookside communities.
Crews replace damaged mains after flood destroys Black Mountain Utility District infrastructure
Company crews and contractors deployed to assist Black Mountain Utility District, replacing damaged water mains, service lines and other infrastructure while clearing several tons of mud from the affected system. Kentucky American Water also distributed bottled water to residents during the crisis.
Harlan County official says response cut restoration time from a week to days
Harlan County Judge Executive Dan Mosley said crews arrived on the ground within hours of the flash flooding event and that he had initially expected repairs to take a week or longer. Black Mountain Utility District manager Ronnie Williams credited the speed of equipment, supplies and worker deployment for the outcome.
Kentucky American Water frames mutual aid as core to statewide operations
Rob Burton, president of Kentucky American Water, said the company supported Black Mountain Utility District and Harlan County officials in the aftermath of the flood, describing the effort as consistent with its work serving Kentucky communities statewide.