x
Breaking News
More () »

Water Up And Running For Some In Shenandoah

SHENANDOAH — Even though the weather is warming up, some residents in Schuylkill County are still dealing with frozen pipes. Some people in Shenandoah hav...
shen water

SHENANDOAH -- Even though the weather is warming up, some residents in Schuylkill County are still dealing with frozen pipes.

Some people in Shenandoah have been without water for three weeks, but it looks like there's an end in sight.

You would think that pipes would just thaw by themselves with warmer weather, but not exactly. Since it's warm during the day and cold at night, the frost line is still very low for many people's pipes in Shenandoah, but this time the borough is stepping in and helping out.

Snow and ice may be melting in the streets of Shenandoah and for many in this Schuylkill County community that's the only running water, but help is on the way.

Last week, borough officials declared a state of disaster for customers of the water company in Shenandoah. That allows the company to get outside help to fix frozen pipes. Many have been without water for weeks.

Danielle Lopez says she never thought she would get a call that someone could thaw her water lines.

"My answer to them was, 'Surprise, surprise!' That's all I said."

Crews from Pioneer Construction out of Honesdale are now helping to fix the issue.

Those who have been without water say it's about time.

"Enough of bottles and gallons and going to mom's. Enough of that. We're going to get our own water!" said Lopez.

It's the sight that many people in Shenandoah have been waiting for: trucks coming and people repairing their water lines. But the question remains, will what they're doing work or not?

"They checked the pipes out. They could not find where the freeze was and they left," Charles MacDowell said.

For MacDowell, it's the fourth time someone has tried to thaw the pipes. It's been 21 days since he's had his own water.

"Three weeks is a long time to go without water. It really is."

Volunteers are now helping people like MacDowell. People have been dropping off water donations at the J.W. Cooper Community Center on White Street. The water there is free 24/7 by calling 570-590-4922 or 570-952-4642 until the water issues are fixed.

"We have eight bottles here and 16 gallons downstairs just waiting," said Derek Davidson.

As other residents wait for their lines to be thawed, they're already looking for how to prevent the issue next winter.

"I'll probably leave it run all the time."

There is no word from borough officials on how many are without water and no word on the timetable to get water back to all residents.

Before You Leave, Check This Out