New help for contaminated water in Fountain Valley

People living in Fountain Valley continue to get a helping hand from Care and Share.

The organization had another mass distribution of water Friday.

The volunteers have it down to a system, read the sticker, load up the cases of water, and send people on their way.

They hand out 34,000 pounds of water throughout the day, making about three cases a carload.

“Every little bit saves,” Joyce Bray said.

The water is intended people living in Fountain Valley, but the delivery is based on the honor system.

“We ask them how many they have in their household, and if they’re picking up for neighbors,” Shannon Brice with Care and Share said.

The PFCs in their drinking water at home weigh heavy on homeowner’s minds.

“We’re a little concerned because we watch the grandchildren all the time,” Bray said. “We don’t want them to get contaminates in their body… They’ve got a long life ahead of them.”

They’re glad for the relief, even though it’s temporary. The last water giveaway is next Friday, July 29.

Care and Share has been providing two semi-trucks full of water to residents for the last four weeks. They are happy to hear a more permanent solution is on the way, as the Air Force will take over from here.

“We are collaborating with the United States Air Force on getting bulk water delivered to those homes that we know are provided by private wells,” Deputy Director of El Paso County Public Health Tom Gonzales said.

For at least four months, more than 75 homes in Widefield will get a delivery of fresh drinking water every two weeks. It’s thanks to a grant totaling $108,000.

“These are the high risk because we know that their water, every day, is over that health advisory limit,” Gonzales said. “It’s water straight out of the aquifer.”

While not every resident visiting the giveaways will get the new help, they still can’t stop saying these two words.

“We thank you all,” Gollie Green said.

“I’m just thankful they’re helping now,” Bray said.

The final Care and Share giveaway is next Friday starting at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Fountain.

Those living in Fountain Valley who have not had their private wells checked can contact the El Paso County Health Department for a free screening.