MARION, Ala. (AP) - Trucks are delivering pallets of water to a west Alabama city of about 3,200 people that has been without drinking water since Hurricane Zeta struck last week.
The city of Marion, located in Perry County, had to begin using water from a reserve well since the storm knocked out power, WSFA-TV reported. It’s safe for bathing but not for drinking or cooking, said Mayor Dexter Hinton.
Perry County Commissioner Albert Turner Jr. said the county health department has advised citizens and businesses in Marion not to consume the water, and 150 pallets of water were set to be delivered Friday and Saturday for public distribution.
“I have reached out to our federal officials as well to provide assistance and water trucks to our health care facilities,” Turner said in a statement. “Our state officials are assisting in providing drinking water for our residents.”
Power has been restored at the municipal water treatment center, said health official Tracy Elmore, but wells have to be refilled to pump out undrinkable water and sediment before the system returns to normal.
Marion is located about 80 miles (128 kilometers) northwest of Montgomery.
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