HICKORY RIDGE — The Cross County Rural Water System is seeking financial assistance to make necessary upgrades to the system.
In recent months, Cross County Rural Water customers have voiced complaints about water discoloration.
David King, executive director and manager of the Cross County Rural Water System, apologized to customers who have received brown water.
King said the system is working to address the issue in a timely manner, but their options are limited. He said the problems began during the pandemic when the proper staff and parts were not available.
King said the recent effort to install fiber internet has also caused issues in the system as those lines are being installed where water lines were already located. In one instance, one water line was cut 26 times.
King said the non-profit utility has applied for a number of grants, and even a loan through the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
However, that additional revenue has yet to come in, leaving the utility with only the income it receives through water usage.
In the meantime, King said the utility will continue to do the best it can with its limited resources.
