‘We take it seriously;’ Officials share new details after water pumping station vandalized

A county water pump was vandalized on Sunday, causing more than $4,000 in damages.

>> PHOTOS: Water pumping station broken into; damaged in Kettering

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30 , Kettering police responded to the Greater Moraine Water System Pumping Station No. 3 in the 600 block of E. David Road on initial reports of an alarm just before 5 p.m.

When they arrived, crews found “significant damage” to the critical utility infrastructure, the department said in a social media post .

Field Services Manager Ronald Casey said a water gauge was damaged, but they were able to shut it off before further issues occurred.

“Some windows were busted, a lot of graffiti, some internal damage to some of the electrical components, and some minor pumping damage,” Casey said.

According to Casey, Montgomery County Environmental Services went into full alert when they found out about the vandalism.

“This is a series of pumps throughout the medium pressure zone that can supply water to the Kettering area. So, with that being said, it is utilized on a regular basis,” he said.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Water pumping station broken into, damaged in Kettering

The county’s environmental services department is grateful that the police got to the station quickly.

“It could endanger the ratepayers and the residents of this area that get their water. So, we take it seriously,” Casey said.

Crews did an investigation to make sure the water distribution system was safe.

“They did not issue a boil advisor because there was no danger,” Casey said.

Casey could not detail the station’s exact operations due to domestic terrorism concerns.

Police are working to find out who is responsible for the vandalism.

“I believe they were out here taking pictures. They took the fingerprints,” Casey said.

Montgomery County officials said they are working to get an updated security system and cameras so this issue will not happen again.