VANDIVER, Ala. (WIAT) -- A group of homeowners is suing Alabama Power, claiming that the company is responsible for draining their wells, leaving their homes without water.
“This is my first home, I don’t know if the investment I made is going to turn out to be a good one long term,” said homeowner Marina Well.
She says it’s been over a month since the aquifer that supplies her well with water was struck by an Alabama Power fiber optic drilling project, causing it to run dry.
Well, along with her neighbors who also were left with dry wells, have taken Alabama Power to court. Three weeks ago, a judge ordered Alabama Power to work around the clock to repair the problem.
The only solution Alabama Power has, which attorneys for the company said in court may work, is to complete the drilling project. As of Sunday, they have finished drilling, according to a statement Alabama Power made to CBS 42:
"Alabama Power deeply values the communities we serve and is committed to their wellbeing. We are currently working on a project to strengthen our infrastructure by installing underground fiber along existing rights of way. This project is a vital component to enhancing reliability and service to our customers.
During construction, we learned some residents near Vandiver served by private water wells were experiencing issues with their water source. We have been actively communicating with the eight impacted residents daily and are continuing to provide assistance as needed.
Alabama Power is working around the clock to complete the project as quickly as possible. We have completed drilling and conduit installation, and we are now working to seal the space around the conduit. Upon completion, we can fully assess any impacted wells. Alabama Power remains committed to the impacted residents, our customers and communities, and will remain in contact with those affected by this work."
Alabama Power
While homeowners like Well and her neighbors wait for that assessment, they remain having to use water bottles and above ground water tanks Alabama Power has provided them with.
“As far as next steps, we're not really sure. We haven't been given answers, so we're kind of just waiting," said Well. "We're waiting on the court decisions. We're waiting on power and the drilling company to have a solution, but in the short term we don't want to live like this. We haven't been living like this, and long-term, this isn't feasible."
Alabama power is due in court along with the homeowners on Tuesday. According to an Alabama Power spokesperson, the company will give an update on how it plans to address the well water issues.