Water Restrictions Lifted for Third of W. Virginians

Safe water is once again flowing in parts of West Virginia Tuesday.

State officials said about 35 percent of customers of West Virginia American Water could resume using their water, but warned homeowners to flush out their systems first.

Five days have passed since a chemical spill contaminated the water supply for 300,000 people in Charleston and surrounding areas.

The crisis forced schools, restaurants, and even daycare centers to shut down. During that time, residents have been unable to even take a shower in their homes.

CBN's Operation Blessing is on the scene, bringing much-needed bottled water and two shower trailers.

On Monday, Operation Blessing delivered 36,000 bottles of water and is working with Union Mission Ministries to distribute them.

Union Mission President Rex Whiteman said the shipments are helping the neediest people in the community.

"We're very thankful to OB for their generosity to Union Mission and the people that are making this water distribution possible," he said. "It's only through generosity of others that the Union Mission is able to serve others, and we're grateful to Operation Blessing and the various donors of Operation Blessing that help make these things possible."