The people of Boyd County in northeast Nebraska have been without running drinking water since the Spencer Dam collapsed and knocked out the county’s water on March 14.
A pipeline underneath the Niobrara is being rebuilt and was initially supposed to be finished on May 28, a total of 42 days. The pilot hole for the pipeline was finished last week and now the hole is being widened, according to Rex Black, chairman of the Boyd County Rural Water District.
Black said the repairs are coming, but it hasn’t been easy supplying water with just two wells through the warmer portion of the late summer.
“Some of the cattle that rely on this system are taking more gallons," Black said. "It’s time to be done. We’re right on the border line. People are still doing a good job of conserving, but we’re still running a little short.”
The repairs are expected to be complete within two to three weeks, according to Black. He also said the people of Boyd County have been incredibly patient dealing with these drinking water issues. Boyd County will also have to cover 12.5% of the estimated $2 million cost.