After fighting for clean, oil-free water since September, mother of three and wife, Jenna Krob, says she’s tired of being redirected. “I feel like I’m getting tossed around just like I did when I didn’t have water at first,” said Krob. “Now I’m being tossed around again just trying to find a permanent solution.” The problem began as a foul smell filling their newly purchased home located at SW Thunder Rd and SW 150th St in rural Augusta. Soon after, their plumbing pipes, toilet tank, shower and sinks were coated in a black oily substance. The family suspected crude oil to be in their private water well but were still disappointed when the test came back positive. The family has gone without water in their home since Oct. 1, despite extensive efforts of testing, advocacy, and multiple attempts of finding a grant to cover the cost of a permanent solution. After testing the water, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, (KDHE), concluded that the oil was in fact crude oil from previous activities being 10 years or more older, without identifying the source of the oil. After hearing about the Krob family and other community member’s ongoing issue, Rural Water District #5 was willing to help find a permanent solution to the problem. That solution would be connecting the community to rural water. While the crew and community knew it would be a big undertaking, they were still hopeful of finding a way to bring clean water to their families. The biggest hurdle would be to find financing.
Source: Andover American
