Several more residents in Lakeview without water amid ongoing crisis

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - At least three more residents in the Lakeview neighborhood of Vandiver have lost access to running water this week, pushing residents further into frustration nearly 90 days after a water line was damaged during a construction project.

The incident, which occurred in January, forced many families to rely on outdoor water tanks and bottled water.

Now, residents say they’ve had enough. One household has even placed a sign in their yard that reads: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of clean drinking water.”

“It’s a sad day for the residents in Shelby County,” said Lakeview resident Tommy Fish. “It infuriates all of the residents when city water is just one mile away.”

The issue stems from a fiber optic construction project by Alabama Power.

After a legal battle, a judge allowed the company to resume the work.

On April 7, crews drilled a new well 383 feet deep, nearly three times deeper than the original aquifer.

However, neighbors say the well is only producing about 10 gallons of water per minute, which is not enough to supply a single family home.

“We deserve our water back,” said resident Pete Atkins. “God gave us what we had, man took it away, and they need to give us what we need.”

According to court orders, Alabama Power was required to provide residents with weekly updates on water quality and test results.

However, residents tell WBRC they have not received any updates since the order was issued.

In a statement, Alabama Power confirmed drilling and grouting operations have been completed and that assessments of affected wells are now underway.

“Alabama Power remains committed to supporting the impacted residents, our customers, and the broader community,” the company said. “We continue to stay in contact with those affected by this work as we seek a long-term solution to the water-supply problems of impacted residents. Due to ongoing litigation, we are unable to comment further at this time.”

Residents say they’re still waiting not just for water, but for answers and long-overdue action.

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