News Editor

Dec. 25, 1999 11 PM

While the wary are storing gallons of water, the Pike County Water Authority has been working to make sure it doesn’t need it.

Stephanie Blackmon, general manager of the Pike County Water Authority, said people have come in from the outside to make sure all of the systems were Y2K compliant.

"We had professionals come in and checked the well to check for hidden chips or components," said Blackmon. "We changed out a chip in a well started that was not Y2K compliant."

To make sure all systems would be in working order when the clock strikes midnight, the Pike County water Authority has already forwarded the computer dates ahead to 2000 just to make sure. Blackmon said everything from the wells to the billing software has been approved for Y2K.

Blackmon said the telemetry was one of the most important things that had to be checked for complaince. Telemetry is radio controlled device that transmits signals to the wells and tanks and back to the water authority’s computer system.

"The wells, tanks and pumps basically talk to each other and that is what keeps the system running," Blackmon said.

One of the problems Blackmon said was beyond their control was a power failure, but she said she didn’t think that would happen.

"I have faith the Max Davis will be sure there is electricity at 12:01 a.m. on New Year’s Day," she said. "But if we lose power we have a stand-by generator to run the well.

"The generator will have to be moved, so it will be limited, but it is available."

Blackmon also said the system can be run manually if necessary, and the Pike County Water Authority does have a contingency plan in place in case of an emergency.

"We will have people on call from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. in an emergency arises," she said. "The contingency plan is in place and everyone knows what they are responsible for. Everyone will be on call."