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The roughly 5,700 residents of the town of Wayne are one step closer to being able to use city water, more than two weeks after receiving a “do not consume” order.
Lab results received Friday by the West Virginia Department of Health from samples collected on Tuesday, Jan. 27, have found no sign of transformer oil within the Wayne water distribution system. This includes the Ballards Farm area – the only location in which the oil was detected following the vandalism at Appalachian Power’s East Lynn substation.
A power transformer in the East Lynne area was vandalized on Jan. 13, causing nearly 5,000 gallons of transformer oil to leak into the nearby creek where the city draws water for its water supply. On Jan. 16, the Department of Health issued a do not consume order. That order has not been lifted yet.
Courtesy West Virginia Department of Health
The results of additional testing conducted by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) earlier this week will help inform when the Town of Wayne’s “do not consume” order can be modified or lifted.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey has approved funding to assist the Town of Wayne to evaluate the operational components of the water facility and identify any needed upgrades or maintenance improvements.
Residents are encouraged to follow the “do not consume” order issued by the Town of Wayne on Jan. 16.
Water distribution sites for the Town of Wayne are as follows:
- Wayne Town Hall: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- East Lynn Fire Department: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday
Shower and laundry services are as follows:
- Beside Wayne Town Hall
- East Lynn Fire Department
- Dunlow Community Center
- Wayne Charter House
Water buffaloes are available at both locations for residents to fill personal water jugs and containers.
Officials say residents can allow their faucets to drip to prevent freeze damage to their plumbing.