Somerset County family gets clean water through donation

STOYSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — For the last seven months the Godins, a family of 7, didn’t have access to safe and clean drinking water at their home.

According to the family, in November 2023, the water well stopped producing sufficient clean water due to a drought on their property.

To supplement their water supply, the family would drive 50 miles roundtrip and rely on local family and friends to fill 30-40 jugs of water at least twice a week.

“You have no idea when your water is going to go out if you have a well. Even at home, like some places that have water, you never know if it’s going to be potable or if something’s going to change,” Jamey Godin, the homeowner said.

The Godin’s well was also showing signs of structural caving, which required the installation of a well liner and drilling down another 100 feet to secure a reliable water source.

Cain Turner, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Chris Long Foundation , said that the Godins applied for a low-interest loan and through their qualifying partner Water Well Trust , they were able to coordinate with the Xylem , their funding partner and completely fund the project.

“There is not only a global water crisis that affects billions of people, but there is a domestic water crisis in the United States as well, and it affects as much as 2 million people. So many people don’t have reliable drinking water access in their schools, in their homes, businesses,” Turner said.

Jamey, his wife Brandy Godin, and their five children benefitted from a project that includes a new water well liner, pump, motor and deepening of the well, along with all necessary equipment, drilling and installation. Sperry Drilling, Inc . used 25 drills for the project and the well is now 500 feet deep.

“Toughest part was being able to shower, do our dishes, do our laundry. So we have to go different places to go and do laundry, shower at different homes. Sponge bath, like a lot of different stuff,” Jamey said.

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So far this year, Xylem has done 16 projects like this one around the country and their advice to families who need help is simple.

“Contact the Water Well Trust. Contact Waterboys organization. You know, fill out an application, see what’s out there, see what’s offered so that we can come out and help as many families as we can get clean drinking water,” Chris Herron, Regional Director of Sales at Xylem said.

To learn more about clean water initiatives, visit their website .

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