In the heart of Scott County, Kentucky, the August 8, 2025, meeting of the Scott County Fiscal Court unfolded with a focus on a vital resource: drinking water. As the court convened, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, particularly surrounding the presentation by Chase Azevedo from the Greater Municipal Water and Sewer System (GMWSS). His insights promised to shed light on the current state of water infrastructure, a topic of growing concern among residents.

Azevedo began by acknowledging the longstanding partnership between GMWSS and the fiscal court, a collaboration that has evolved since the late 1990s. This partnership was born out of a vision to provide municipal drinking water to every road in Scott County, a goal that has seen significant progress over the years. However, as Azevedo pointed out, the infrastructure that once served the community is now facing challenges due to increased demand and growth.

The discussion highlighted the historical context of the water system, detailing how it was designed to meet the needs of existing customers while anticipating some future growth. Azevedo explained that the water lines, ranging from 2 to 12 inches in diameter, were adequate for the population at the time of installation. However, as the county has expanded, the limitations of this infrastructure have become apparent. Azevedo emphasized the delicate balance in planning water systems—oversizing pipes could lead to stagnant water, while undersizing them risks inadequate supply.

Azevedo also provided a visual overview of the water service area, clarifying that GMWSS serves the western side of Interstate 75, while Kentucky American Water covers the eastern side. This demarcation is crucial for residents who may not be aware of their water provider. He reassured attendees that GMWSS is actively addressing requests for new service connections and is committed to improving the system to accommodate future growth.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism as Azevedo outlined plans for ongoing improvements and the importance of community engagement. The fiscal court's commitment to quarterly updates from GMWSS reflects a proactive approach to ensuring that residents remain informed about their water service. As Scott County continues to grow, the collaboration between local government and utility providers will be essential in navigating the challenges of infrastructure and ensuring that every resident has access to safe and reliable drinking water.