BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — Residents relying on the Mingo Public Service District (PSD) were left without water last week. The utility halted pumping operations, citing adverse weather and a muddy Tug River.

In a Dec. 7 social media announcement, the PSD reported an inability to “effectively treat the water” due to sediment and muddy river conditions.

“For that reason, we are not pumping water out to our customers,” the statement read. “We are sorry for the inconvenience and will begin pumping as soon as possible.”

Once water service resumes, a boil water advisory will be in effect for the entire system, with exceptions for Justice, Lick Creek, Buffalo Mountain to the Bank of Mingo, Edgerton, and Puncheon Camp to Old 84 Lumber, the PSD said.

Mingo County Commissioner Thomas Taylor weighed in on the situation, suggesting longstanding maintenance issues at the water treatment plant. In a Facebook post, Taylor described sediment tanks that are “extremely full,” a problem he attributes to years of neglect.

“The water plant can’t pump more than 700 gallons per minute due to the muddy river and the state of the tanks,” Taylor wrote. “Typically, they pump at least 1,400 to 1,500 gallons per minute. They manage when river conditions are normal because the water is clear.”

Taylor said efforts were underway to address the crisis, including the use of vacuum trucks to clear the sediment tanks.

“This whole situation is more than uncalled for and should have been avoided,” he added. “The commission has stepped in, and we are all working to fix this situation as quickly as possible.”

The Mingo County Health Department reiterated the boil water advisory Jan. 8, clarifying that it would remain in effect until further notice. Exemptions include Justice, Delorme, Marrowbone, Lick Creek, Buffalo Mountain to the Bank of Mingo, Edgerton, and Puncheon Camp to the old 84 Lumber Company.