The CEO of Central Alabama Water said a now cancelled $28 million rehab of a century-old dam that supports drinking water for Birmingham area suburbs was based on overzealous assumptions that led to a massive project the utility could not afford. Jeffrey Thompson in December ordered work to stop at Lake Purdy Dam in Shelby County, a move that was later supported by a majority of the board after an intense debate. Thompson, who has not sat for interviews since taking over the state's largest water utility in November offered the most detailed comments on his administration during a recent mass meeting with employees Feb. 12. AL.com has obtained a recording of the full meeting where Thompson and his senior staff also talked about several issues including the new powers of the CEO and the reduced role of the board following the state law that reshaped the former Birmingham Water Works into a regional utility. Thompson said workers monitor the dam daily and water flow has been reduced ...