Richwood, W.Va., is currently drawing water from its backup source, Summit Lake, but the lake’s water level is low due to the ongoing drought. (April George | Courtesy photo)
The ongoing drought has left the town of Richwood in Nicholas County with seven to 10 days worth of water supply for residents.
There’s some rain predicted for the area over the next few days, but it may not be enough to refill what’s needed from the North Fork of the Cherry River, the town’s main water source.
“We had a little bit of rain yesterday that sort of maintinted us, and we are running normally right now,” said Richwood Mayor Gary Johnson on Wednesday. “I don’t know where we’ll be sitting next week. It just depends on what the good Lord gives us.”
Nicholas County is classified as an area in extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The Nicholas County Commission declared a state of emergency on Monday, placing around 1,200 residents under a water conservation ban that limits the use of water for showers, dishwashers, washing machines and more.
Ashley Kenney, who lives in Richwood, said the ban has brought changes to her home, where she raises four sons under 11 years old. She has limited her sons’ showers to five minutes per child.
“With having a big family, there’s always dishes and laundry and kids brushing teeth,” Kenney said. “I have tried to limit that as much as possible. Typically, I would wash dishes three times a day, but since we have low water, that’s been pretty rough.”
“I’m very hopeful that this rain increases everything,” she added.
The town is currently drawing water from 43-acre Summit Lake, which has served as the typical emergency backup water source. The lake can offer about 30 days of water supply while still maintaining its fish population, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported.
Kenney said that the lake is noticeably low. “You can walk all down there and see it’s in pretty bad shape,” she said.
Johnson and other local leaders are working on contingency plans, which would require the approval of the health department, if the lake water isn’t sustainable. One option is to determine if water is available at a nearby drilling operation and safe for use.
“They’re having the water tested,” said Del. Thomas Clark, R-Webster, who represents the town of Richwood. “It’s not quite as drastic as it sounds, but if we don’t get any rain in the next four or five days it could be drastic.”
Clark said reached out to Gov. Jim Justice’s office for water. Johnson said that West Virginia American Water has offered to provide water in tankers to residents if necessary.
“We’re in the midst of making an emergency plan if we do run out,” Johnson said.
Kenney said she’d filled up jugs with nearby spring water in case the residents’ water supply runs dry.
“If we can’t get bottled water, we’ll still be able to have a little bit,” she said. “I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like if we do lose all of our water. It would be a nightmare with having children and cooking and cleaning.”
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