Drought Conditions Continue in WV, Extending North and East.

Doddridge County Watershed Association

The Doddridge County Watershed Association reports that no water withdrawals are to be made  from Middle Island Creek nor its tributaries in Doddridge County, Tyler county, NOR the SW watershed area of the S. Fork of the Hughes is allowed at this time, NOR any areas in Harrison County.

If you see any tankers in Doddridge county (or any adjacent counties) taking water out of ANY of our streams, call Call: Patrick Campbell with DEP water resources, 304-926-0499 ext 1757 and DEP O&G Dave Belcher 304-926-0499 ext 1647. Any water withdrawals that appear to jeopardize the mussel populations, call Janet Clayton, DNR 304-637-0245 or cell 304-389-8526.

The “Water Withdrawal Guidance Tool” of the WV-DEP can be found on the Internet, by clicking here.

The West Virginia Public Service Commission has issued a warning for a potential growing problem in the state, as reported in the State Journal on June 8^th.  The PSC has issued a warning to trucking companies about taking water from fire hydrants without the consent of local water utilities.

The problem was first reported in the north-central part of the state where truck drivers were taking water from fire hydrants and hauling it to natural gas drilling sites, according to a news release from the PSC. Similar reports have come from Harrison and from Marshall counties of WV.

West Virginia code requires that anybody taking water must first obtain permission from the water utility that owns the hydrant, the news release states. They also must reimburse the water utility for the water. The code states that those who take water without consent and without paying can be charged with a misdemeanor punishable with up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000, according to the news release.

Taking water from fire hydrants illegally costs local water utilities and their customers, the news release states. Enough theft could lead to revenue shortfalls, which would have to be made up by the utility’s customers. Those who witness water theft are asked to call their local water utilities.