Prenter, West Virginia is a small mountain community of about 300 households nestled in the Coal River Valley.  The town is surrounded by 11,000 acres of massive mining operations — Mountain Top Removal mines, processing plants and huge toxic sludge ponds.  The residents of the town still rely on well water, water that has become heavily contaminated with a host of toxic metals and chemicals.  Aggressive lobbying on the part of Prenter residents has secured promises from local government that a city water line will be put in to supply the town with clean water.  However, the best case scenario still keeps Prenter residents dependent on their wells for at least 2 years.  We can ill-afford another 2 years of poisoned water.

The lobbying efforts of Prenter residents had given us access to the city water of the nearby town of Racine - though now West Virginia American Water has installed a water pay station closer the hollow.  However, many of Prenter’s residents simply don’t have the time, ability or good health to make the trip and haul enough water to cover their basic needs.  The Prenter Water Fund is setting up a delivery system to bring water directly to households.  Fifty five gallons barrels will be installed at each house that requests them.  The barrels will be fitted with hand pumps and heat tape to prevent the water from freezing in the winter. The total cost of each installed barrel will be approximately $75 with monthly costs for delivery around $1500. A local resident will be hired to drive a delivery truck.  The program is funded entirely through private donations at this time and will be free for Prenter residents. This simple cost-effective solution will enable the residents of Prenter to have clean water for drinking, cooking, and other basic needs now.