County fortunate to have steady water sources

By Staff
Franklin County, like all of the southeast, endured horrific drought conditions throughout the past year.
A dreadful lack of rain and fierce temperatures soaked water suplies to a minimum in many areas.
We certainly were not spared from harsh conditions and the lack of rain took its toll on the county.
But thanks to forward thinking leaders more than four decades ago, Russellville, and much of Franklin County, have a place to go.
Lake Elliott has been the city's water source since 1963. Due in large part to the fact the lake has never been opened for public use, the lake continues to be a healthy and safe supplier of water.
Last summer, however, when Lake Elliott's levels began to drop sharply and the harsh reality of a water shortage set in, water officials had yet another place to turn.
The city ran a pipeline to Cedar Creek more than two years ago that provides a back-up system.
When lake levels began to drop, there was a way to save Lake Elliott.
That body of water has now been replenished and is ready for what promises to be another hot, dry Alabama summer.