A state of emergency has been decalred for the water freezing in Harlan county. As I am affected what is available to me?

Due to the state of emergency declared in Harlan County over water supply issues, several resources are available to assist affected residents:

**Immediate Water Access:**
The Black Mountain Utility District is addressing water problems in the Tremont, Watts Creek, and Wallins areas. If you need water, you can visit their office on Fourmile Road to obtain some. citeturn0search5

**Emergency Assistance Programs:**
The Harlan County Community Action Agency (CAA) offers a State Emergency Program that provides aid to families in crisis situations. This assistance can cover utilities, water hook-ups, medical supplies, clothing, and more. citeturn0search0

**Water Bill Assistance:**
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is available to help low-income households with water and wastewater bills, including payments for overdue bills and preventing service disconnections. citeturn0search2

**Contact Information:**
For more details or to access these services, you can reach out to:

– **Harlan County Community Action Agency:** Visit their website at [harlancountycaa.com](https://harlancountycaa.com/) or call them directly.

– **Black Mountain Utility District:** Visit their office on Fourmile Road for immediate water needs.

Additionally, staying informed through local news outlets and official county communications will provide updates on the situation and any further assistance that becomes available.

For a recent news update on the water crisis, you can watch the following video:

videoHarlan County leaders declare state of emergency over water crisisturn0search8
As I am on well water, are there any resources I may be able to tap intoo
If you’re on well water and affected by the emergency in Harlan County, there may still be resources to assist you:

### **Water Distribution and Access**
– **Bottled Water Distribution:** Emergency bottled water distribution points may be set up for all affected residents, regardless of whether they’re on municipal or well water. Check with the **Black Mountain Utility District** or local emergency management for nearby distribution locations.
– **Water Testing and Purification Assistance:** During emergencies, health departments or community organizations sometimes provide free or subsidized water testing kits for well water contamination, as well as guidance on purification methods.

### **Emergency Assistance Programs**
– **State Emergency Program (Harlan County CAA):** You might qualify for aid through the Harlan County Community Action Agency. They offer help with essential needs, which could include water-related supplies or repairs to water systems (like well pumps) in emergencies. [Visit their website](https://harlancountycaa.com/all-project-list/state-emergency-program/) or call to inquire.

### **Well Water Resources**
– **Well Repair or Contamination Aid:** If your well is frozen, damaged, or contaminated due to the emergency:
– Contact **local Cooperative Extension offices** for advice or potential funding sources for emergency well repairs.
– The **Kentucky Division of Water** or local health departments might have resources or programs for well owners in emergencies.

### **Heating Assistance**
– **Well Freezing Prevention:** Programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may provide help with heating costs to keep well systems from freezing. Contact Harlan County’s LIHEAP office for details.

### **Contact Points**
– **Harlan County Emergency Management:** Call their office for information on additional resources for well water users during this state of emergency.
– **Kentucky Division of Water:** They can provide resources or guidance specific to private well water issues.

I recommend contacting these organizations directly to inquire about specific support for your situation as a well water user.