By james art 
Charleston, W.Va. – The state Department of Health and the Department of Homeland Security are stepping in to help Mingo County restore water to customers after experiencing problems earlier this month.
As of Saturday, there were 2,100 customers in Mingo County without water due to significant operational issues affecting local water systems. The problems began after complications at the Mingo Public Service Sludge Basin and have been exacerbated by recent cold temperatures affecting both Kermit Waterworks and Mingo County PSD facilities. As a result of these problems, it caused a reduction in the water supply available to PSD of Mingo County, Crum and other selected areas.
The WV Department of Health and the WV Department of Homeland Security will provide assistance to local Mingo Water officials to help restore service. The WV Department of Health Bureau of Public Health is offering technical assistance to Mingo County PSD to help address service issues. The state Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division delivered pallets of bottled water to the area.
Health Cabinet Secretary Sherry Young expressed her support for these ongoing water restoration efforts.
“The welfare of West Virginians is a top priority. We are mobilizing and coordinating support to help Mingo County,” Young said in a news release.
Robert Cunningham, secretary of the Homeland Security Cabinet, echoed Young’s thoughts.
“The safety of West Virginia is our mandate and our focus. Homeland Security will do everything possible to assist fellow West Virginians,” he said.
Both agencies are monitoring the situation and continue to coordinate resources to help MINGO PSD restore reliable water service to customers as soon as possible.