LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A boil water advisory was lifted Wednesday morning at a city in Breckinridge County after someone tampered with a water tank, according to city officials.

Hardinsburg city officials noticed the water tank at Persimmon Flat was tampered with on Monday. After Breckinridge County Sheriff's Office began an investigation, the Kentucky Division of Water and the Department of Homeland Security recommended the city to issue a system wide boil water advisory until water samples were tested and cleared.

"We don't believe there was any imminent danger to the water system," said Hardinsburg city clerk Dave Bollinger. "It was strictly on the advise of Kentucky Division of Water and Homeland Security as a precaution."

The boil water advisory took effect Tuesday. On Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. local time, the advisory was lifted.

Bollinger said city workers found vandalism at the water tower. Bollinger said someone "tampered with the main hatch on the bottom of the water tank" and it caused water to spray from the tower.

"Someone tried to loosen one of the hatches at the bottom of the tank and there were several bolts loosened up and water was spraying out of the hatch," Bollinger said. "I don't know if they wanted to steal metal and take the door off, and they realized it had water in it."

Bollinger also said someone cut locks to the ladders leading to the top of the tank. 

"It appears someone had gone up there to steal copper and metal off of it," Bollinger said. 

But no copper was stolen according to Bollinger as all antennas some 150-feet up are still functioning. 

Water samples passed testing for contaminants, according to Bollinger. He said the samples for Hardinsburg and Irvington came back clean, but samples have yet to be returned for Cloversport. 

Bollinger added inspectors didn't find anything inside of the tank and there was no evidence of anything being put in the tank.

Breckinridge County Schools restricted water usage in school buildings. Students had access to restrooms and handwashing stations, but water fountains were turned off. The school district encouraged students to bring their own drinking water to class.

Bollinger said the damage occurred between Thursday and Monday. Police are canvassing the area to see if any nearby residents have camera footage.

While Bollinger said the water tower sites are secure, the county is in the process of installing security cameras.

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