Water for The Woodlands

Regardless of what you believe about the cause of water problems in the Woodlands area of Connoquenessing Township, the fact is that there are now 25 families in that neighborhood who do not have safe water for use in their homes.

These families have been living with this situation for many months. The possibility of a permanent solution to this problem is at least two years away.

Regardless of what you believe about what has created this situation, there is now a way for you to help our neighbors in need.

Water for Woodlands is a non-profit, tax-exempt, grassroots organization spearheaded by White Oak Springs Presbyterian Church (USA) in Renfrew. They are currently providing bottled drinking water for the 25 affected families who cannot use their water wells for household purposes.

With winter coming on, Water for Woodlands is hoping to provide water storage tanks (water buffaloes) for these families so that they may have “running water” back in their homes for bathing, washing dishes and clothes and flushing toilets.

A 1,500-gallon water storage tank can be purchased and set up at each residence, complete with winterization kit, plumbing into the home, pump and pressure tank, for a one-time fee of $1,150 per residence. After that, it will cost about $200 a month to keep each tank filled.

Water for Woodlands needs to raise $28,750—$1,150 times 25 homes—just to get the infrastructure in place. This is a huge undertaking, but it is often said: “Many drops of water create an ocean.”

If everyone reading this donates whatever they can, this goal will be reached.

And then the storage tanks must be kept filled. To this end, Water for Woodlands has created the “Adopt a Family” program, in which an individual or organization can partner with other individuals/organizations to make sure each family receives that $200 a month needed to keep the water running in their homes.

Water for Woodlands can arrange for the partnering if an individual can afford to contribute, say, $50 a month, but doesn't know who to contact to pick up the remaining $150.

And, there is a way to contribute to this worthy cause and fill your belly at the same time! Water for Woodlands and Marcellus Outreach Butler are co-sponsoring the Water for Woodlands Holiday Fundraiser at Lutherlyn Campground on Dec. 8. A lasagna dinner and silent auction is included.

Together, we can do this, so that our neighbors in The Woodlands can have for Christmas something that most of us take for granted—running water in their homes.

For more details on the fundraiser, visit MarcellusOutreachButler.org (Regardless of what you believe, please visit this site for this worthy cause.)

And for more information on Water for Woodlands or to make a donation, visit https://sites.google.com/site/waterforwoodlands/

Or send donations to: Water for Woodlands, c/o White Oak Springs Presbyterian Church (USA), 102 Shannon Road, Renfrew PA 16053.