The current water outage in Owen County Kentucky is a lesson in how much of America has become dependent upon what is commonly called "the grid". Drinking water is one thing, water to bathe, wash clothes and flush toilets another. But on many farms "city water" takes care of thousands of head of livestock.
The same weather being blamed for the water main break that shut off the "city water" to many Owen County farms also shut off "natural water" from ponds, creeks and springs frozen solid by the sub zero temperatures, sources which might have been used to water cattle, sheep, horses, goats, poultry and other animals on the many farms in the community when the "city water" stopped flowing.
Predictions are that temperatures will rise into the balmy 40's and 50's this weekend with rain predicted too. This should ease the pressure on farmers to haul hundreds of gallons of water each day just to take care of their business.
But other businesses in the community are still suffering and the rain won't help them much. The Smith House restaurant continues to update its status and this morning announced that the Health Department had approved them to open for "carry out only". Because so many people have had to travel to do laundry, shower and for other matters of personal hygiene the food being served will be on a "donation" basis rather than at menu prices.
Dozens of volunteers continue to care for neighbors in need, but local businesses and food establishments are being seriously hurt as the Kentucky American Water Company continues to promise prompt relief.
Further updates may be available later, they have said. Stay tuned. And thanks to all who have pitched in during this wake up call as to how much better prepared we all need to be in a world that has grown quite dependent on "the grid".
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