Crews work to create water sources in Nicholas County

RICHWOOD, W.Va. (WOWK) — Different departments are working together to maintain water sources for eastern Nicholas County after a State of Emergency was declared for water conservation .

The water intake for eastern Nicholas County draws from the northern fork of the Cherry River, but the drought has left the river running nearly dry. The county has been using the reserve in Summit Lake to supplement the intake but now it, too, has begun to run very low.

Crews are working to create a secondary water source off of the offshoot of the northern fork and southern fork of the Cherry River. That water intake was being tested on Tuesday.

Kessler Excavation has also found an old pond that may become another viable source of water for the region. However, the water first needs to be tested to make sure that there are no toxic chemicals in the water.

Nicholas County declared a State of Emergency on Monday to encourage residents to begin conserving water and to get the state to be on standby in case the county needs assistance.

Residents are encouraged to avoid any outdoor hose work including watering the lawn or washing their cars. And make sure that no taps are running unnecessarily.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.