Water problems persist on Ray Street

Roots run deep east of the tracks on Ray and College Streets, one of two historically black sections of Shepherdstown. Many residents can trace their local family lines back to the Civil War, and in some instances, the houses have stayed in family ownership for generations. In instances of hardship, it is common to witness the community rally around their affected neighbor to help them out of duress.

Today is no different.



A group of neighbors are pitching together to help restore water service to the home of lifelong Ray Street resident Keith Boyd. Boyd says he has been without water pressure since at least Monday morning.

"It was just my problem, but now it's my neighbor's problem because they are helping me so graciously," says Boyd.

According to Boyd, the Corporation of Shepherdstown can't repair the line because, simply, it's not theirs. Boyd admits that he won't know for sure until he finds the source of the leak, but he suspects the problem could be related to last weeks emergency repairs to a ruptured water main at the intersection of Princess and Washington Streets.

But finding the leak has proven to be difficult for a number of reasons.

Boyd says that a plumber's estimate to fix the problem ran over $3,000, which Boyd can't afford. Instead, Boyd's friends and neighbors have donated a considerable amount of sweat equity to try and overcome his water woes. The small group of volunteer plumbers arrived around midday today and began digging to discover the source of the leak. By 6 p.m., the group included Buck Showalter, Dawn Showalter, Walt Green, Lucy Curbo and a whimpering puppy named Wider. They, along with Boyd, are lending muscle to the formidable task of discovering the source of the leak, repairing the line and restoring water pressure. Obstacles so far have included the wet, heavy clay soil and persistent, frequent rocks which have to be delicately worked around, lest they disturb surrounding pipework.

"We're learning as we go," said Buck Showalter between shovel strokes.

What they are looking for now is an instructor, someone who can volunteer their time to help them out of their situation. Neighbor Lucy Curbo has been calling around to her plumber friends to see if they can offer any guidance or services. Dawn Showalter was also calling a family friend who owns a plumbing business to seek advice. As of this writing, it had been in short supply.

"We just need someone to tell us what to do, and we can do it." Said Showalter, who labors in a brickyard by day.

Failing professional help, they also would appreciate any other volunteers who may be able to come out and help them dig up the water line over the next few days.

If you are able to donate time or expertise to help Keith Boyd return water service to his house, please contact 304-283-9840 or 304-707-1907.