Hot Water Issue

BRUCEVILLE, IND. (WTHI) -       A small southern Indiana town is looking at a major water project.

     Bruceville's water system was put in place 50 years ago.

     The community is being told to update and make the system larger or wind up in some hot water with the state.

     Bruceville's water tower may be about the biggest thing in town, but state officials say it isn't big enough.

     The tower holds only 30,000 gallons of water, but the state says it needs to have a 44,000 gallon tank, so the town is putting together a $1-million project to replace it.

     "this is something we've got to do or the state's going to take care of us when they drain us anyway, so for the betterment we've got to do that," said Bruceville Town Board President Tim Murphy.
     Not only is the state calling for a new water tower, it also wants the town to double the size of its water lines running to the homes on Rod and Gun Club Road.

     Bruceville officials say they have little choice but to pursue the water project, because if they don't they're going to be facing some hefty fines.

     "They have told us they could fine us up to $25,000 per day," said Murphy.

     Beyond the potential fines, though, the town knows that for public safety the water system has to get bigger.

     "If we were to have 2 homes go up in fire at the same time it's a good possibility we wouldn't have enough water to take care of the 2 fires at the same time," explained Murphy.

     The town is working with engineers and looking for grants to help fund the project.

     The state has said as long the town is making progress on the improvements they won't hit the community with those big fines, but the time for making that progress is running out.

     Bruceville officials say the water department is currently losing money.

     The town is having a rate study done and they expect the firm will recommend an increase in rates.