WV Division of Corrections dealing with water shortage at Mt. Olive

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) says it’s working to deal with a water shortage at Mount Olive Correctional Facility caused by an issue outside the facility.

According to the DCR, operational issues are impacting the water supply Mount Olive receives from the local public service districts. Officials said that they are working with local partners while the local public service districts and West Virginia American Water work to solve the problem.

DCR officials said they are implementing health and safety protocols to ensure the inmates’ and staff’s well-being during the water shortage. The DCR said that it’s using portable water tanks for cooking, distributing bottled water and using portable handwashing and shower stations.

“We have health and safety protocols in place to ensure the well-being of those entrusted to our care,” said David Kelly, Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “Our staff is actively coordinating with local partners and bringing in necessary resources while the Public Service District and West Virginia American Water work to resolve the operational issues affecting water supply.”

The DCR said it’s monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as public service districts and West Virginia American Water work toward a solution to the issue.