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PHILIPPI -- Pumping issues at the Philippi water plant led to all Barbour County public schools operating on remote learning Thursday, although officials say the pumping issue is being resolved.
"Due to the water issues involving Philippi Elementary, Philippi Middle, Philip Barbour and Kasson Elementary/Middle Schools, as well as forecasted temperatures being in the single digits (Thursday), we will be operating on remote learning for all Barbour County Schools," Barbour County Superintendent Jeff Woofter stated in a release Wednesday evening.
"Staff will not report to the schools, but teachers will be available by either Google Classroom or by email if students need assistance. The central office will also be closed," he said.
By about 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon, the City of Philippi announced that "all water tanks are now receiving water." City officials noted that "there is still a boil water advisory in effect for all City of Philippi, Century Volga PSD, Chestnut Ridge PSD and Central Barbour PSD customers."
On Wednesday evening, the City had reported "the water plant is starting to pump more water from the river and we are starting to be able to treat the water. We will begin to release water into the tanks in a few hours … Please continue to conserve water to help speed up the filling of the tanks."
The city reported Wednesday morning that officials would "continue to treat water and pump it out of the plant as fast as possible. Most of the City of Philippi had water back last night other than the high elevation areas. Water will start to flow further out into the system throughout the day. Once again, the further out you live, he longer it will take to receive water. If you have water, please continue to conserve it."
The City of Philippi also publicly thanked Arch Coal – Leer South Mining Complex for their help with the water issue Wednesday.
"Arch provided the City with a pump for us to get water from the river into the water plant. We are extremely thankful to have you," a City of Philippi post states.