Wilson County commissioners on Nov. 3 approved an emergency water supply agreement with the Town of Lucama that creates a metered interconnection to provide water during Lucama system emergencies.

Ronnie Ford, the county's water services director, explained the project is part of ARPA-funded viable utility reserve work and includes a physical tie-in from the county's Southwest District to the town's water system with the meter located in front of Blue Commerce Elementary School. "This emergency connection... it won't be a daily (connection). It's as needed for the town of Lucama should they have any emergencies," Ford said. He told commissioners the meter and plumbing are installed but final approval is pending bacteriological sampling and testing; staff are aiming for availability by around Jan. 1.

Board members asked how this tie differs from a prior agreement with another supplier (Sam's), and Ford said the Sam's connection required daily purchases because that line created a dead end, while the Lucama connection is on a main that turns over daily and will not have the same water-quality concern.

The board moved and approved the emergency water supply agreement by voice vote; the motion carries per the meeting record but no roll-call tally was given.

Provenance: presentation and questions by Ronnie Ford beginning at 00:14:19, and the board's motion and approval at 00:17:00.