BEREA, Ky. — When the lights flicker or water pressure drops, the fastest way to cut through rumor is to know where your utility posts updates.
Berea Municipal Utilities (BMU) says its customer notification system can send alerts about scheduled power outages, major service interruptions, and boil water advisories by text or automated voice calls. Customers can list up to three phone numbers.
📲 Step 1: Sign Up for BMU Alerts
You can register directly through the utility’s website: Sign Up Here
The form asks for your name, account number, and service address, plus the phone numbers you want to receive alerts. BMU says you can provide up to three numbers and receive notices by text or automated voice messages.
🗺️ Step 2: Know Where BMU Posts Updates
If you are trying to confirm what is happening right now, BMU maintains two key resources:
- Outage Maps: Designed to show active disruptions. (Note: The page states that if your outage is not reflected on the map, you should call BMU).
- BMU News & Updates: This is where the utility posts items like Boil Water Advisories and notices when advisories are lifted, including affected streets and timing.
☎️ Step 3: Report Problems the Right Way
If you need to report an issue, use the dedicated lines rather than social media:
- Weekdays (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.): (859) 986-4391
- After-Hours Emergencies: (859) 986-8483
🚱 What Triggers a Boil Water Advisory?
A boil water advisory does not automatically mean the water is contaminated. It often means the system experienced conditions where contamination could enter.
Common triggers include:
- Loss of pressure: Kentucky guidance states that if a public water system experiences pressure below 20 psi (often due to a main break or pump failure), a precautionary advisory is typically required.
- Distribution issues: Breaks or leaks that compromise the sealed system.
💧 What an Advisory Means in Plain English
A boil water advisory is a precaution that tells customers to treat tap water used for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, or food prep until the utility confirms water quality is safe again.
Utilities issue advisories until testing verifies the system is clear. BMU typically posts both the Advisory and the Lifted Notice on its updates page, with specific location details.
✅ Quick Checklist for Berea Residents
- Sign up for BMU Alerts so you get notices directly.
- Check the Outage Map first, then BMU Updates for details.
- If your outage is not on the map, call BMU.
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