CHARLESTON, WV – Emergencies begin and end at the local level, and this is certainly true for the City of Piedmont in Mineral County where a “do not drink” order has been in place for the water system since January 6.

Issues with the water system are being addressed by the City of Piedmont with support from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health, the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (EMD), the Environmental Protection Agency, the Mineral County Health Department, and others.

While the combined agencies address the overall problem, Piedmont faces an enormous task: coordinating water donations and assuring filling stations are available.

Recognizing a way to help, the Mineral County Emergency Services (MCES) approached city leaders to offer their services.

“I talked with Commissioner Harvey and Mayor Boggs to offer our assistance and told them how we could help with the operation,” said Mineral County Emergency Manager Luke McKenzie. “Now we’re coordinating water donations to allow the City of Piedmont to focus on filling stations and the needs of their citizens.”

“Along with other state agencies, we’ve provided updates to the delegates from Mineral County,” said EMD Director GE McCabe. “EMD will continue to support Director McKenzie in this operation for as long as needed.”

If your organization or business would like to donate water to the City of Piedmont, please contact Mineral County Emergency Services at 304-788-5921.