The Jefferson County Water Authority plant in Herculaneum was struck by lightning during a June 30 thunder storm, putting it out of commission until July 17, when repairs were completed, plant manager Jamie Aubuchon said.
The plant provides water for residents in the cities of Festus and Herculaneum. Both cities were on well water until the plant was back on line.
He said the repairs cost an estimated $100,000, and the Water Authority will submit a claim to its insurance provider to cover the costs.
Festus City Administrator Greg Camp, a member of the Water Authority board, said the lightning caused a lot of damage
“There was a substantial amount of damage to the controls and the meters,” he said.
The authority’s Cathy Jokerst Water Plant processes water drawn from the Mississippi River.