Water Problems Return Despite Recent Rainfall
Plus, as political shootings unsettle the nation, Tucker County beefs up courthouse security
By Mat Cloak, contributing writer
Davis and Thomas are facing water supply problems for the second year in a row following several weeks of below-average rainfall. Most of the county is classified as being in “extreme drought,” according to a federal monitoring service, despite scattered rainfall in recent days.
Adding to the challenge, the Davis water reservoir is leaking. Repair work is scheduled to begin soon.
Like last year, Davis is pumping water from the Blackwater River to supplement the reservoir. Chief Water Operator Frank Sharp said the town is pumping about 150,000 to 180,000 gallons from the river daily. The town is renting a water line and pump that costs about $8,000 a month.
Water conditions in Thomas are similar, though not nearly as extreme, as last year, when city residents endured brownish water for most of the summer and a boil-water advisory that lasted nearly two months. Like last year, iron levels in the city’s water have been climbing recently, but Mayor Jody Flanagan said the colder weather lately has helped mitigate the problem. “Luckily this drought happened when it did,” Flanagan said.
We got DOGE’d when the new administration took office. It was a minor setback, but it kind of had me worried.”
Last year’s water problems prompted the city to pursue a new filtration system that city officials hoped would be operational by now, but funding was unexpectedly cut in the spring. “We got DOGE’d when the new administration took office,” Flanagan said. “It was a minor setback, but it kind of had me worried.”
The funding was restored and work on the filtration system is expected to start in October. Flanagan said if the project isn’t complete before winter weather strikes, the project will be completed in March.
The new filtration system will treat contaminants including iron and potassium, Flanagan said. When water is released from the reservoir it will go into the new filtration container. From there it will be treated again in the existing water treatment facility.
“We’ll have the best water in the country,” Flanagan added with a smile.
More News
As Political Violence Escalates Nationally, Two Officers Hired for Courthouse Security
By Mat Cloak, contributing writer
Two full-time officers will now be stationed at the Tucker County Courthouse in Parsons. “With the additional threats throughout our country, with the turmoil that’s going on, everyone felt it’s best,” said County Commission President Mike Rosenau.
The commission approved the hiring at its meeting Wednesday.
Tucker County Sheriff Jake Kopec said the idea to hire courthouse security came from his office, the commission, the prosecuting attorney, and courthouse staff. “This was a group effort with a positive outcome,” Kopec said.
Kopec also noted increased activity at the courthouse as a reason for adding security. “It’ll be a change for the people coming into the courthouse,” Rosenau said. The two officers will be stationed at the courthouse from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
It will be the first time the county has hired officers specifically for the courthouse. “This isn’t something we had budgeted in our budget,” Rosenau said. According to Kopec, the annual cost will be $120,000 to $150,000.
Data Snapshot: Employment
Country Roads News occasionally publishes standalone data that helps describe life in Tucker County:
Yes a data center that uses millions of gallons of water will help us soooo much when we can't even provide water for the towns. If water were such a big issue leaf peepers would have been cancelled, by all means pack as many people in the area so we can run out of water sooner....idiots! Just goes to show it's not about us it's about catering to tourists and making a buck! We will supposedly have the best water in the country after the filtration system in Thomas, but we have to have water first! All these new houses going to be built won't help. Our town was never meant to grow this big, we don't have the water
Yes 🫣