Story perspectives

West Virginia Residents Rely on Abandoned Mines for Water

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Roman Patsey from Rhodell, West Virginia, uses an abandoned coal mine for drinking water.
The EPA reports that about 250,000 residents in West Virginia rely on untreated water sources.
The region's median income is approximately $30,000, highlighting the coal industry's decline.
Many local water treatment plants, including those in Kimball and Rhodell, are in disrepair.
Raleigh County, with help from DigDeep, is replacing failing water systems to improve access.

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Story summary

Roman Patsey from Rhodell, West Virginia, uses an abandoned coal mine for drinking water.
The EPA reports that about 250,000 residents in West Virginia rely on untreated water sources.
The region's median income is approximately $30,000, highlighting the coal industry's decline.
Many local water treatment plants, including those in Kimball and Rhodell, are in disrepair.
Raleigh County, with help from DigDeep, is replacing failing water systems to improve access.