WVDOT supplies water tanker to Tucker County town after rainfall shortage

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Department of Transportation has supplied a water tanker to the town of Thomas in Tucker County in response to a statewide emergency declaration from Governor Jim Justice.

Governor Justice issued the declaration for all 55 counties in West Virginia last week following an extensive period of minimal rainfall.

“Governor Justice has been very attentive to the drought conditions we’ve been experiencing around the state,” says Jimmy Wriston, P.E., West Virginia Transportation Secretary. “In that regard, the Department of Transporation has dispatched some assistance to the town of Thomas in the form of a tanker of water that we’ve strategically placed at the fire department.”

The Town of Thomas has been among those struggling with lack of rainfall, which Thomas Mayor, Jody Flanagan points to as a cause of instability in the town’s water supply throughout the month of July as a result of increasingly high iron levels found in the water.

“This is the lowest our dam and reservoir have been in 60 years,” said Flanagan.

Drinking water has been secured by city officials for the town by way of outside sources. The tanker being sent by the Department of Transporation will contain non-potable water which can be used for flushing toilets and washing. Five-thousand gallons of water are housed within the tanker truck.

“This demonstrates the teamwork and determination of the WVDOH employees across the state to serve our citizens,” said Wriston. This is just one more example of how this governor is responsive to the needs of the citizens.”