Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief jumped into action, shipping nearly 1,200 cases of bottled water to residents during a water crisis in Germantown and the surrounding Memphis areas.
“As a result of the support we receive from TBC churches and individuals, we were able to assist the people of Germantown while they are in this crisis situation,” said Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. “We are grateful for that support, which allows us to respond.”
According to The Commercial Appeal, Germantown water restrictions related to reports of unsafe tap water have been lifted. Last week, officials announced the city’s water supply was contaminated with diesel fuel.
On Wednesday (July 26), Tennessee Baptist DR supplied 14 pallets — with 84 cases on each pallet — of NAPA water to the Germantown area. The water was delivered by JD Cantrell Trucking company.
Residents of the Memphis suburb were first told about the diesel leak and water contamination on July 20 and advised not to consume the city’s tap water, or use it for bathing or washing, according to the USA Today story.
In response, residents descended on water bottle distribution sites and some restaurants dramatically reduced their menus to only include items that can be prepared without tap water, the story said.
Meanwhile, Tennessee Baptists DR teams responded to other crisis situations in Shelby County and Washington County after severe storms caused destruction in those areas.
‘Thankful for all our volunteers’
Jones noted that the Shelby County area was hit with three different storms over the last five weeks, resulting in over 500 requests for assistance with tree damage and other needs.
“I am so thankful for all our volunteers who have served over the last five weeks,” said Jones, “and I am grateful to Bellevue Baptist Church for hosting them as they served.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by David Dawson and originally published by Baptist and Reflector.
