| By Bob Weaver
Water problems in the southern end of Mt. Zion PSDs service have been a real challenge for the PSD, with lingering chlorination problems since November, 2014, when a boil water advisory was issued.
The boil water advisory has been for about 80 customers extending from Rt. 16 about a mile south of Arnoldsburg "Y" to the Upper West Fork Park, Rt. 16.
PSD board member Roscoe "Cokey" Gainer, says, "The PSD is actively trying to solve it," calling on federal and state agencies to help with a solution.
"Sen. Shelly Moore Capito has agreed to help find a solution," said Gainer.
The state advisory said, "The Mt. Zion PSD is unable to maintain chlorine levels required by the WV State OEHS due to unresolved telemetry problems emanating from issues with the engineering construction firm," according to a news release.
However, officials have said the problem centers on about half of the contracted customers not using the water service, causing slow movement of the water in the line, causing low levels of chlorination in some areas.
Customers were initially required to sign a 3-year contract for water service, requiring a monthly flat fee, but apparently many have chosen to continue using well water.
Gainer said chlorination occurs first at the Grantsville Water Plant and at two other stations along the system, but the slow movement causes the levels to dissipate.
PSD workers are continuing to flush the line for movement, with Gainer saying it is very costly.
Gainer said "You can't just keeping putting more chlorine in the water," causing a negative effect.
Some of the solutions include moving a chlorination station and installing circulating pumps in storage tanks, but if more contracted customers would become water users, the problem would likely be resolved.
Mt. Zion PSD has been meeting with Environmental Health Service, the USDA, Boyles and Hildreth engineers and the WV Rural Water Association to address telemetry functioning, chlorine residual maintenance and monitoring reporting.
"The board, month after month, has been addressing the troublesome problem, and we hope it will be resolved soon," said Gainer.
For more information call the Mt. Zion PSD, Jeremy Westfall or Patty Cottrell at 304-354-7799. | 
