A new lawsuit calls Central Alabama Water board’s actions ‘self-inflicted destruction’
A new lawsuit alleges that the Central Alabama Water board's actions since a restructuring have damaged the system and endangered public health.Summary
A lawsuit filed by Jim Hicks of Mountain Brook accuses the Central Alabama Water board of “self-inflicted destruction” through a series of decisions made since a state law restructured the board in May 2025. The lawsuit mirrors claims in other pending cases, including one filed by activists William Muhammad and Brenda Lewis, and seeks class-action status and the appointment of an independent receiver to oversee the utility.
According to the lawsuit, the new board and CEO Jeffrey Thompson have taken actions that have damaged the system, endangered public health, wasted ratepayer funds, and jeopardized the financial stability of Central Alabama Water. Specific grievances include halting work on the Lake Purdy Dam, ending fluoride use without notice, mass layoffs, and eliminating water quality labs, with concerns raised about outsourcing and potential contamination.
Attorney John Somerville, representing Hicks, argues that the utility’s safety and future are not political issues, but concerns for all citizens. He warns of “catastrophic infrastructure failure” if the current trajectory continues. Central Alabama Water has declined to comment on the litigation, citing its policy.
(Source：AL.com)