Over a few weeks in April, the former water treatment plant
was demolished. Since it sat just north of the monastery and
fairly close to the road, it has been a familiar sight to
visitors for decades.
It was constructed in 1963 to supply drinkable water to the
monastery and the guest house. A number of reservoirs were
built in the property across the road from the monastery to ensure
a steady supply even in times of drought.
When water became available from Bardstown, a cost analysis showed
that it was much cheaper for the monastery to buy water than to
purify it itself, so the treatment facility stood unused for some
years.
The land on which the treatment plant stood will be used for
planting trees. And the reservoirs which were once intended to
supply the water are still enjoyed by monks and retreatants on
walks through the forest, and by various species of bird and
frog.
Click on the image to see a larger view.
