District outlines project progress and flags 48.9% water loss; resident urges transparency on $26 million in funding

Operations staff (speaker 6) gave a detailed update on ongoing capital projects, meter installations and FEMA-related repairs, and warned the board about elevated system losses.

Speaker 6 said most commercial meters have been installed (two remain), that cellular telemetry installations are nearly complete and that the district received an ultrasonic leak-detection meter to help locate losses. "We received the ultrasonic leak detection meter that we ordered... that is a portable meter that we can take out," the operations speaker said.

The operations report noted the plant passed all required samples and is in compliance, but the board was told water loss for the reporting period sat at 48.92%. Speaker 6 said higher consumption in April should reduce that percentage next month.

Staff also summarized capital-work progress tied to Kentucky Waters and FEMA: pump station and telemetry commissioning, tank inspections and line replacements, and documents prepared for FEMA reimbursement of Old Route 3 and Hack Creek repairs. The operations manager said an estimated $150,000 remained to finish the raw-water intake project, and that other project timelines remain in flux.

During public comment, a resident (speaker 7) representing Martin County Concerned Citizens delivered a prepared statement urging transparency in the allocation of approximately $26 million in water and sanitation funds awarded to the community. "This board has one of the greatest opportunities in making sure that every cent of this money is spent directly for the people," the resident said, calling for accountability, community involvement and clear communication about project choices and spending.

Why it matters: The high measured water loss indicates substantial unrecovered water and potential revenue loss for the district, which could affect rate-setting and the pace of capital improvements. At the same time, residents are closely watching how large grant awards will be prioritized and spent.

What’s next: Staff will continue leak detection and meter changeouts, follow up on FEMA reimbursement documents when FEMA opens the claim window, and the board said it will investigate online posting of full meeting packets after commenters said packets were not fully available on the website.