‘Once in a generation’ drought raises water quality concerns

ST. ALBANS, WV (WOWK) – Experts are calling the drought impacting large areas of West Virginia, a ‘Once in a Generation’ drought, as a drought has not affected the region to this degree since 1999. The drought could cause issues with vegetation, livestock and even water.

City of St. Albans residents have expressed concerns with the water as the drought conditions have worsened. The Coal River, the city’s water supply, is still at a normal level, but is not moving as rapidly and is causing some stagnant water buildup in some areas of the city as well.

Some residents say they notice a difference, citing that the water smells like bleach or may appear slightly cloudy.

“I feel like it’s changed at least in some way. A little bit more chlorinated or iron, whatever they put in the water to clean it. We have to buy our gallons of distilled water because we can’t trust the tap to be clean enough or keep the skin hydrated enough as we’re tattooing,” says Breeauna Klingshirn, who works at a tattoo parlor in St. Albans and has noticed changes.

City officials say the quality of the water is safe, but if some changes or issues come up at home, they can be treated by the water plant. The plant treats water with chemicals and flushes the water system to remove anything that would be harmful.

On Friday, West Virginia’s State of Emergency regarding the drought was extended for 30 days. The State of Emergency was first issued on July 26.

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