Prichard's collapsing infrastructure has led to nearly 50 million gallons of raw sewage spills over the past three years. Now, there is a call to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to step in.
"Prichard is the untold version of Flint, Michigan, or Jackson, Mississippi," said William Strickland with Mobile Baykeeper.
Along with the unsanitary effects, water customers are paying unmanageable bills due to Prichard losing an estimated 60% of its water. Waterways in the area are unsafe for swimming and fishing due to dangerous pathogens that have leaked through the streets into streams.
Many residents have to drive through the sewage and are forced to deal with it in their yards.
"So, when people interact with that water, you think of a kid jumping at a puddle, that significantly increases their chance of getting a waterborne illness, can make them sick, end up in the hospital with gastroenterology," Strickland added.
To add insult to injury, Strickland said water treatment facilities are not properly treating water, and for generations, officials have failed to repair pipes.
"So, even your basic breaks that maybe other utilities deal with, they've been chronically underfunded from the state, and of course, they've been mismanaged," he explained.
A comprehensive master plan has been approved to address aging pipes, and an asset management plan outlines shovel-ready projects, including water tank and sewer repairs, upgrades and design for future infrastructure. However, ADEM has refused to hand over the money pending the appointment of new leadership.
Several people were indicted on 32 charges alleging several conspiracies related to the Prichard Water Works and Sewer Board. They are accused of using their positions to embezzle an estimated $50,000 a month from the public utility over a 48-month period. The court appointed John Young as a receiver to manage the system.
Strickland said the system is in the process of reforming its board to ensure qualified people are in place.
Mobile Baykeeper is urging residents to write to ADEM Director Jeff Kitchens to ask for funding to be released. A sample letter is provided on the Mobile Baykeeper website.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
