West Virginia residents struggle with water tainted by chemical spill

Tests have already been carried out on water in West Virginia identified to have been contaminated by a chemical used to clean coal - methylcyclohexane methanol.

On Thursday, water restrictions were imposed to West Virginia residents after about 7,500 gallons of the said chemical had leaked out of a tank located upriver from the West Virginia American Water plant.


Officials met on Sunday to discuss the results of the aforementioned water tests.

From the looks of it, the 'Do-Not-Use' order will still be up for days.

Residents were advised to keep a watch for the symptoms of exposure to the chemical: skin irritation, nausea, and vomiting.

West Virginia Water Plant Chemical Leak Brings Anxiety. Due to the possible magnitude of the water plant chemical leak, water company spokeswoman Laura Jordan urged people to get medical attention, should they feel something unusual.

The Charleston Area Medical Center said:

Our emergency rooms have been very busy with individuals unnecessarily concerned and presenting no symptoms

About 80 people went to the emergency departments of the state's Department of Health and Human Resources; Only two had been admitted to the hospitals.

Moreover, Dr. Robert Maha, chief medical officer for MedExpress told news outlets, a lot of people sought for treatments out of their worries related to a possible chemical exposure. Also, he said the leakage might have contributed to the spread of flu in the area since it is quite difficult for people to find clear water for consumption. (Source)