Homesteading Through an Industrial Chemical Spill

Jon is filling our canning pot with well water.

It's been an interesting few days here in West Virginia where ~300,000 people are told they can only use their water to flush toilets.  On Thursday, January 9th, the chemical, 4-methylcyclohexane methanol leaked from its container at Freedom Industries, flowed across the ground and then into the Elk River only one mile upstream from the water treatment plant.  This chemical is used to wash coal before it goes to market (Whatever that means...).  

There's been a lot of news coverage about this event, but here's an article that sums it up.  

Jon and I have been fine through this ordeal by tapping into our well located at the barn.  The well does need a bit of fixing and there's always sandy flecks in the bottom of the pot, but we're managing just fine.  A kind neighbor friend even offered us water from their well (that is tested and safe for drinking).  I would like to go to the grocery store and pick up a few items since we just returned from a 2 week vacation, but apparently the stores are really chaotic so Jon, Paul, and I just sit tight at home (except for when Jon has to go to work) and eat out of the freezer and cellar.  

Going without water reminds me of the Derecho in 2012 when we lost electricity for a week.  Living in the country where we have the resources and land to grow our food with our own water supply does give us peace of mind.  Although, now with the recent events, we plan to get our well water tested and look into getting it fixed so we're better prepared next time.