Nicholas County faces county-wide dwindling water supply

SUMMERSVILLE, WV (WVNS) – The drought has taken a toll on many surrounding counties, but Nicholas County was experiencing some of the more severe conditions on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Despite the rain that Nicholas County received, the county was in a state of emergency.

On Monday, September 16th, it was projected that Richwood would have around four days until their water supply ran out. That was according to a press release from the Nicholas County Commission.

John McGinnis, the Nicholas County Director of Emergency Management told 59News that Richwood PSD has since found a way to stabilize their water supply.

“They have been working with their backup source, which is Summit Lake. So, there is still some water there and that is their safety net,” said McGinnis.

McGinnis said this fix is only for the time being and they are actively monitoring water levels. This water issue in Richwood has become a county-wide problem.

To help conserve the water throughout Nicholas County, county officials instated a county-wide state of emergency. They urged citizens to use as little water as possible to help conserve their dwindling water supply.

With some throughout the county not having access to the internet or social media, officials with Nicholas County are making sure they are communicating with their citizens.

“We also have an alert system that goes throughout every telephone throughout the county. And then, also, we’re staying in contact with everyone in Richwood,” said McGinnis.

The county has also issued a burn ban, partially to limit the amount of water folks need to expend, but also to combat the other side effects that a drought may bring like fires getting out of hand.

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