By Spencer Bruce, Louisville Water Company
Louisville Water Company.
When you think of a water utility, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it’s the water that comes out of your faucet, your water bill, or the crews you see on the side of the road fixing a water main or testing a fire hydrant.
No matter what comes to mind, the truth about water utilities is they are critical to public health.
Louisville was once known as the “Graveyard of the West” in the 1830s due to the widespread epidemics of cholera and typhoid, caused by water from contaminated private wells. Louisville Water got its start in 1860 to solve this problem and provide fire protection for the city.
Louisville wouldn’t be Louisville if it weren’t for water.
We can’t “recall” drinking water. Once it’s in our distribution system – there’s no getting it back. That’s why we invest millions of dollars in our infrastructure, research, and complete more than 200 daily tests to ensure Louisville Pure Tap® is consistently safe and great-tasting tap water. We’re an anchor for public health and that cannot be compromised.
Then, think about the growth this city has seen over the last 165 years in population, tourism, business development, and so much more. Could it have happened without water?
Louisville Water has a connection to every home and business in the city, that’s more than 24,000 restaurants, companies, parks, hospitals, and more that make our city unique. We’re fortunate to have the abundant source with the Ohio River. If you look out west, where water supplies can be depleted, it’s a different conversation about water.
When developers approach cities like Louisville, power companies are often the first utilities contacted. While energy is important, the water and wastewater infrastructure will drive the possibility of a project.
Our water utilities must have a seat at the table for economic development conversations and in Louisville, we have that seat.
With our abundant supply and AAA bond rating, Louisville Water provides a low-cost product that is high-quality and reliable. This is music to a developer’s ears, especially those high-water users, like the food and beverage or manufacturing industries.
Throughout our history, Louisville Water has always looked to the future. When we built the Crescent Hill Water Treatment Plant in the 20th century, we built it with excess capacity, allowing us to become the regional water provider we are today.
Of the 75 billion gallons of water that flow past us each day, Louisville Water only uses 0.2%. We have plenty of excess capacity and this capacity is what allows us to partner with neighboring utilities like Hardin County District No. 2 to power the BlueOval SK plant, providing explosive growth not just for the region but the entire state.
We’ve hosted hundreds of water tastings with government officials, utility partners, and economic development professionals to help tell our story. This branding showcases the science, engineering, and chemistry that goes into making the great-tasting water fresh from the faucet.
Louisville Water also works hand-in-hand with economic development officials to prepare for some of the city’s largest events of the year in terms of economic impact like the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky State Fair, Bourbon and Beyond, and Louder Than Life. These four events alone bring in nearly $500 million in economic impact to our state.
On October 16, Louisville Water marks 165-years of operations, making us one of the city’s oldest businesses. Our history is proof that water is not just a utility, but a foundational element for public health, economic growth, and business attraction.
Spencer Bruce is the CEO and president of Louisville Water Company, the state’s largest drinking water provider. Bruce joined Louisville Water in 2006, managing the company’s distribution operations and water treatment facilities. He was the company’s vice president and chief engineer from December 2013 until January 2016 when he became CEO and president. To learn more about Louisville Water, visit LouisvilleWater.com.
