In western Kentucky, Henderson is taking steps to ensure the safety of drinking water as some pollutants move down the Ohio River.
Last week’s chemical spill in the Elk River in West Virginia has water utilities downstream taking precautions. The plume is expected to reach Henderson Monday morning.
Henderson Water Utility is collecting data from monitoring stations along the Ohio River and staying in contact with upstream water utilities, including Evansville and Louisville. Treatment Manager Kevin Roberts says no decision has been made on whether to close intake valves.
"We are going to take the greatest step we can to ensure the community is protected and that we supply water," adds Roberts. "If that includes shutting the intake then we certainly will do that."
A decision may not come until Sunday night, but the utility is working to build up the drinking water inventory just in case the intake valves are closed.
Contaminant levels in the Ohio River are currently below the threshold for any risk to the public.
