01/13/2014
Chemical spill leaves 300,000 without drinking water
Days after a chemical used to treat coal spilled into the Elk River about 300,000 people in West Virginia were still without clean drinking water. Even touching the contaminated water reportedly could cause blisters. Officials weren't sure when the water would be safe to drink again.
■Class discussion: How long can a person survive without drinking water? How safe is your water supply? Has your family ever been forced to buy bottled water or boil tap water before using it? Which is more vital to survival: water or fuel? How many of the world's people are threatened by shortages of clean water?
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