29-04-2025
Hope in the Mountains hosts meeting in Rhodell to work towards safe, clean drinking water
RHODELL, WV (WVNS) – Safe drinking water might be a necessity.
But for some communities in the mountain state, like the small town of Rhodell in Raleigh County, the necessity still is not there.
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The Raleigh County Public Service District tells 59News at least five dozen customers around Rhodell still do not have access to safe and clean drinking water.
'I was shocked to learn that anyone in 2025 doesn't have access to safe water. A lot of us that live in Beckley and in different areas, we take it for granted.'
Ryan Snuffer, Executive Director, Hope in the Mountains
On Monday evening of April 28th, Hope in the Mountains facilitated a meeting at the Rhodell Church of God to help address the issue.
With coordination from the group DigDeep, they helped residents fill out surveys about their water situation.
Both groups have been raising money to begin installing new lines to any home in need.
'Grew up in West Virginia, grew up here my whole life. That's the thing about DigDeep, they hire local people in the area. Everyone that works here, we're from Raleigh County, McDowell County, Wyoming County.'
Travis Foreman, Director, Appalachia Water Project
Snuffer said they will start to lay down new lines from the main water line in the next few weeks.
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Of course, their goal doesn't end with just Rhodell. They hope to find all communities affected to ensure all of West Virginia has clean and safe water.
'My first water project was in 1975 when we did a seven hundred and eighty-five thousand dollar rehab to the town of Sophia. We are continuing to try and upgrade and maintain the system.'
Paul Flanagan, Treasurer, Raleigh County Public Service District
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