Craigsville still without water and could be until late Friday or Saturday, according to mayor
CRAIGSVILLE — It looks like it may be late Friday or even Saturday before the water problem is remedied in Craigsville, according to Mayor Richard Fox.
The town is working with the Augusta County Service Authority to restore water. Fox told The News Leader Thursday afternoon that crews are working on one break in a pipe that, when repaired, may provide water to part of the area impacted by the outage. That could be late Thursday, but there is no guarantee.
Fox said the town is also waiting on Augusta Springs to get a new pump installed after the previous one burned up, which will take a little longer.
"The town is still not out of the water problem yet," Fox said. "It will probably be (Friday) evening or even Saturday before we can get Craigsville back online like it needs to be."
Fox did say Augusta Correctional Center now has water for its toilets through a trunk line running from Estaline Valley.
Craigsville is under a boil water notice issued by the Virginia Health Department. The notice went into effect Wednesday afternoon.
The Augusta County Sheriff's Office is collecting bottled water for the residents of Craigsville. Anyone willing to donate bottled water can drop it off at the Sheriff's Office at 127 Lee Hwy. in Verona. A release Thursday afternoon said deputies will transport all donated water to Craigsville to be distributed to those in need.
"You can drop off water at any time," the release said. "We will have pallets in front of the office for the water. If you are handicapped, elderly or unable to drive, please reach out to the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 245-5333 and we will arrange delivery."
Also, per a Facebook post, Craigsville's town council meeting is canceled for Thursday because of the water issue.
Craigsville Elementary School posted on Facebook Thursday afternoon that the cafeteria staff has been working to feed students "nutritious, healthy meals during this challenging water shortage."
The choices have been scaled down, the school said. Therefore, on Friday, students will have a choice of either chicken patty or peanut butter and jelly. The school said that the following sides will be available: peas, sweet potatoes, fruit, veggies, and milk to drink.
On Wednesday afternoon the school posted that portable toilets are in place for use by students and staff.
"Bathrooms inside the building are closed to students and staff," the post read. "Hand sanitizer is widely available. The school division is supplying students and staff with bottled water. A meal plan is in place to provide students with breakfasts and lunches."
Children who stayed home due to the water problem will have their absence's excused, the school said.
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— Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Craigsville mayor says it may be late Friday or Saturday before water restored
