Thomas officials address reports of discolored water; consider rate hike

THOMAS, W.Va. (WBOY) — The City of Thomas held a council meeting Tuesday night where members responded to residents’ recent concerns surrounding discolored water that they’ve been receiving for the past month and a half.

During the meeting, Thomas Mayor Jody Flanagan said that the city has been following state protocols during this time. He said that the state has told the city government that the water is only an “aesthetic issue” and is due to the ongoing summer drought.

To combat the drought in Thomas, the state provided a tanker of non-potable water two weeks ago. Mayor Flanagan said that treatment plant employees are doing their best to deal with the situation and will update the public as necessary.

Also during the meeting was the second reading for a water rate increase in the city. The city’s Certified Public Accountant explained that one of the reasons behind the increase is the water system’s current operation in a deficit. He said that in order to qualify for grant money and a lower interest rate on a loan for improvements, rates would need to go up.

The City of Thomas is scheduled to hold its next council meeting on Sept. 10.

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