Updated: January 5, 2018

LAUDERDALE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS INVESTIGATING AN INCIDENT IN WHICH SOMEONE OPENED FIVE FIRE HYDRANTS AND LEFT THEM RUNNING.  ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, THE HYDRANTS WERE OPENED SOMETIME NEW YEAR'S NIGHT AND ARE IN THE BITTER BRANCH AND THREETS CROSSROADS AREA WHICH IS NORTH OF ALABAMA 20.  INVESTIGATORS ADVISED A 500 THOUSAND GALLON HOLDING TANK WHICH IS USUALLY 98 PERCENT FULL IS ONLY ABOUT 40 PERCENT DUE TO THE WATER LOST FROM THE OPEN HYDRANTS.  WEST LAUDERDALE WATER AUTHORITY OFFICIALS AS WELL AS CHISHOLM HEIGHTS WATER AUTHORITY ARE ASKING CUSTOMERS TO CONSERVE.  ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT AT 256-760-5757.