To: Gunnar Ramstrum, Kathy Steuermann, and Karyn Barnett

Dear Gunnar, Kathy, and Karyn,

On behalf of the Canebrake County Water District Board of Directors, please accept our sincere appreciation for your extraordinary efforts in locating, isolating, and helping repair one of the largest water system failures in our community's history.

Late on the evening of Saturday, July 18, our community experienced a catastrophic leak within the District's water system. By 2:30 a.m. the following morning, Gunnar Ramstrum had determined that the District had lost its entire water supply. Gunnar immediately alerted the Board, and at 3:30 a.m. accepted my call as we began coordinating an emergency response. Working together, Board members and community volunteers started researching the problem and contacting property owners who were on-site.

Upon learning of the emergency, Kathy Steuermann and Karyn Barnett immediately joined the search for the source of the water loss. At approximately 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning, Kathy contacted a Board member to report that the leak had been located near the intersection of Canebrake Road and Upward Trail. As suspected, the failure involved a poly water line.

Drawing on her extensive knowledge of the District's water system, and with Karyn's assistance, Kathy and Karyn located and shut off a primary main-line valve housed in a six-foot-deep vault. Their quick action successfully isolated the leak, preventing additional water loss and allowing recovery efforts to begin.

Once Gunnar received confirmation that the system had been secured, he immediately initiated pump automation procedures to begin restoring service. Through these coordinated efforts, water service was temporarily restored by Sunday afternoon.

Kathy continued communication with the board’s directive, posting Boil Water Notices, informing property owners on site of the situation, and sharing the Board's request that water use be minimized until repairs could be completed.

On Monday morning, Kathy met Roberto Muñoz, the District's labor assistant at the site. Working together, they repaired the failed water line, completed the necessary blow-off and flushing procedures, and successfully returned the District's water system to normal operation.

The Canebrake County Water District is profoundly grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and willingness of Gunnar, Kathy, and Karyn to step forward without hesitation during this emergency. Your actions protected one of our community's most precious resources and demonstrated the remarkable volunteer spirit that defines Canebrake.

Your commitment, teamwork, and selfless service are deeply appreciated. The Board of Directors proudly recognizes your outstanding contributions and thanks you for your exceptional efforts on behalf of our community.

With sincere appreciation,

Stephen Fillmore
President
Canebrake County Water District

On behalf of the Board of Directors