Letter to the Editor: The water problem will only worsen with time
OPINION —
As I write this letter I am exercising my First Amendment of free speech. I shall not be threatened by council member Tammy Williams for exercising my Constitutional Rights. At the LaFayette Council Meeting held Feb. 9, 2026, three members voted no to the 431 Water project. Those voting no were Mayor Vines, Council Member Thomas and Council Member Williams.
This was not a short-term decision as they were given six months to investigate the financial resources and grants available (allegedly the city has $4 million dollars in assets). Mayor Vines ran his recent campaign with the promise to begin repairs on the city water problems. For years the city has experienced poor water quality. A project was also voted down in June 2001. Citizens often experience mud in their water, and many are forced to purchase bottled drinking water.
A year or so ago I turned the faucet on at my bathroom sink and nothing but mud poured out. I checked the shower and nothing but mud, the kitchen nothing but mud then the exterior faucet nothing but mud. nothing but mud flowed from every faucet. I checked the home and exterior for a water line that had burst and found nothing. I phoned the city water department to come to the house. As they came and checked the water, they admitted the mud was coming from the city pipes but [gave] no explanation of why. They ran my water for over three hours to get the water cleared up. While there, they received a call from someone on the other side of town saying they were having the same problem.
The water problem must be addressed under the direction and advice of the engineers. Unfortunately, it is reported the ALDOT will no longer work with the city as they had ample time to prepare. The work must be done as there is no choice. The problems will continue to worsen. The cost will continue to increase.
I reside in District E, unfortunately, and we all experience water problems regardless of what any council member has stated. We, all the citizens of LaFayette deserve clean safe water.
The no vote, cast at the February meeting, is nothing but proof of the incompetency of those members who voted no. Again, this problem is long overdue of being addressed and repairs being made. The problem will only worsen and the cost will only increase. It is believed this dirty water is contributing to some health issues.
Submitted as an exercise of free speech — Randy Talley, LaFayette
