By Billy Davis

Floyd’s Island residents may get some help to address the subdivision’s lingering water problems thanks to a plea for help, and thanks to some good timing, too.  

And the visual aid didn’t hurt either.

 “I brought y’all some refreshments,” said Sharil Brown, holding up a half-gallon container of tea Monday morning for Panola County supervisors to enjoy.

 Except it wasn’t tea. It was a plastic jug of very nasty brown water.

Brown and fellow resident Linda Geriner went on to explain that the brown liquid came from a private well that supplies water to approximately 25 homes on Floyd’s Island. Residents are hauling water for bathing, drinking and cooking because of the water, she said.

Floyd’s Island is located west of Sardis Lower Lake, near the Tallahatchie River. Floyd’s Island Road, like the community well, is privately owned.

The closest public water supply is the Union Water Association, which Brown said is more than a mile from the subdivision. The water association is willing to supply water to Floyd’s Island, she said.  

Geriner called it “pathetic” that the community is enduring such water problems in 2010. “We have talked to everybody,” she said. “We were told the power is here.”  

Geriner and Brown voiced their frustrations just a few feet from James Curcio, the interim executive director of North Delta Planning and Development. The Batesville-based non-profit helps communities win state and federal grants, with water grants among its most common targets.

Curcio suggested Rural Development would be a good federal source to seek help.

Curcio also agreed to set up a meeting with Union Water Association and Rural Development, with Supervisor James Birge also in attendance.

Floyd’s Island is located in Birge’s district.

“We’re going to do our best to help them,” Curcio told The Panolian after the meeting.

“I sure thought it was tea,” he also said.