Baku – APA. Up to 300,000 West Virginia residents were told not to drink tap water on Friday after a chemical spill called its safety into question, and health officials said water in the affected area should only be used for flushing toilets and fighting fires, Reuters reported.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency for nine counties. The spill forced the closure of schools and businesses in the state capital.
"We don't know that the water's not safe, but I can't say it is safe," Jeff McIntyre, president of West Virginia American Water Co, told a televised news conference.
The spill originated at Freedom Industries, a Charleston company that produces specialty chemicals for the mining, steel and cement industries.
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