Prenter Gets Funding to Bring Clean Water to the Community

In January, the Coal Valley News reported that the state presented residents of Prenter with a Small Cities Block Grant that will total $1.5 million, which will bring a waterline extension along Route 5 to the Boone County community. Only $200,000 has so far been released.

The water project also has a commitment of $432,000 from the county commission and $300,000 from the Boone County Public Service District to round out the funding.

"The question remains uncertain how long it will be before the project is completed and residents will begin to see improved water conditions in their community," the newspaper reported. The block grant, if all is awarded, and other monies committed will bring water to 60 percent of the homes in Prenter Hollow.

The article continued, "A group of concerned citizens in the Prenter area has been reporting the need for potable water for several years, with limited success (until they organized with the help of Sludge Safety Project). The residents who’ve complained about water have reported an alarming amount of sickness in many people who are forced to use the water and believe an increase in birth defects and cancer in the Prenter area can be traced to water quality."

While the community awaits the water line extension, which will take at least a year to construct, the Prenter Water Fund is delivering barrels of potable water to area families so they don’t have to drink, bathe or cook with their toxic well water.

Your continued support is needed. For ways to help please go to: www.prenterwaterfund.org.