The Hocking County Sheriff told residents that the water in the village is safe. This comes after a “no water usage” advisory was sent out on Wednesday.
In a statement released by the Sheriff, on Wednesday, the Laurelville Water Department told police that someone had tampered with one of the water supply tanks.Village officials said that they isolated the water tank and waited for detectives to arrive. In accordance with EPA guidelines, the village issued a boil advisory, officials said. This advisory was later upgraded to a “Do Not Use Water Advisory.” That advisory, according to the Sheriff of Hocking County has been lifted.
Water Department employees drained the nearly 95,000 gallon tank so that it could be flushed and inspected, the town said. According to law enforcement on scene, BCI’s Crime Lab was called in to provide forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
Mayor Brent Ebert said, “I am humbled by the cooperation and dedication from everyone involved in immediately addressing the issue.” The mayor went on to say, “ Village residents should be proud of their public service agencies.”
Hocking County Sheriff Lanny North in a statement said, “There is no evidence that the water storage tank was contaminated.”
The incident remains under investigation. The Sheriff did not elaborate on the criminal probe.