Town of Athens addresses issues of water quality

ATHENS, WV (WVNS) – Athens residents said on Thursday, August 22, 2024 that their town has water issues.

Some residents took to social media to voice their concerns about the odd taste and smell of the water. They also noted that the water even looked abnormal.

59News went to Athens and spoke to public officials to find out what was happening.

“We use an ultrasonic unit in the lake for killing algae,” said Melissa Pentasuglia, the chief operator for the Town of Athens Water Treatment Plant. “However, this year, we have had an abundance aquatic growth and lily pads and this algae is hiding under the perimeter of the lake. This year the lake is definitely not overflowing, so all that [algae] is just sitting there stagnant.”

Pentasuglia also told 59News the drought is another part of the issue. The reservoir they pull from for water treatment is 27 inches below the top of their reservoir’s dam, according to Pentasuglia.

West Virginia State Delegate Doug Smith attended the Town of Athens’ town hall meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 evening to ensure this situation was addressed.  After attending this meeting, Smith offered a statement.

“A lot of it is just that Mother Nature takes a little bit of time for the chemical treatment to get caught up. The water that is already in the line is going to be there. They cannot get it out. I mean they do a little bit of flushing out of the fire hydrants. It is going to take time for that water to be used and ran out. So, I truly believe that they are doing everything that they can. The state has been involved. DEP went down there,” said Delegate Smith.

“I just want customers to be reassured that their water is safe to drink. It is safe to take a shower,” added Pentasuglia.

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