# @aldotcom on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=XQkTSHbO4aM
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/57944549-aldotcom-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3618ba106c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-02-23T22:39:39.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** AL.com (@aldotcom) — https://gondola.cc/aldotcom

## Caption

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 at the structure.

Thompson in his presentation also stressed that the utility was short on money and said a revised budget was forthcoming in March to address the need to situation.

He also mentioned the credit ratings downgrade from S&P.
Thompson however did not address the recent mandatory surprise drug tests that were implemented the day after the Super Bowl. 

Sources have told AL.com that dozens of employees were either fired on the spot or chose to resign rather than take the rapid tests.

Reporting by Joseph D. Bryant
Read more on AL.com

#localnews #lakepurdydam #repairs #waterworksboard #centralalabama

## Stats

- **Views:** 508
- **Likes:** 8
- **Shares:** 0
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## Tags

lakepurdydam, repairs, localnews, waterworksboard, centralalabama

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