LYO in the FLOW

Two thousand gallons of water may sound like a lot, but if you're trying to carry water for all your household needs, it's really just a drop in the bucket. The community of Prenter, WV has been dealing with contaminated groundwater/well water for several years now, and Community Lutheran Partners, Inc, working with the Lutheran Youth Organization and a Future Leaders of Watersheds grant were able to provide this water to a community of about 200 households. Due to mining activities in the area, the community's water supply contains hazardous amounts of chemicals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, iron, manganese and other toxic elements. Over the past several years the community has experienced illnesses such as kidney cancers, brain tumors, gallbladder removal, and dental problems- all associated with the levels of heavy metals in their drinking water.

The community has been working to get municipal water lines installed in this rural area, and work has begun on that project. Until then, these households carry water for all their drinking and cooking purposes. LYO in the FLOW provided about 10 gallons of water per household, and as the students learned about groundwater contamination and the health effects on the community, they were determined to go home and share this story so that others might respond to the needs in Prenter as well.