An $8.3 million federal grant will fund a new drinking water treatment plant in the Tow...

An $8.3 million federal grant will fund a new drinking water treatment plant in the Town of Hurt, and Virginia Sen. Mark Warner visited Hurt to hand over the grant for the project.

Water troubles have affected communities from the Alleghany Highlands to Pittsylvania County and the Town of Hurt in recent months, with aging infrastructure causing water main breaks and boil water notices. At the start of October, a water line break in Hurt affected residents for days and prompted a boil water notice. Hurt Mayor Gary Hodnett said the problem lies with decades-old pipes giving out. "You have pipe that is moving, water is moving in it, so it's creating a perfect storm for fractures in the pipe," Hodnett said. "We know that we're behind the eight ball on that."

Terry Bowling, whose family has lived in Hurt for more than 30 years, said his frustrations involve both water quality and cost, noting residents pay a higher price buying water from the town of Altavista. With the new plant, Hurt will produce its own water for the first time. Warner said the project will have a significant impact, adding that you cannot prosper if you have to boil water on a regular basis. Construction is set to begin at the end of 2027, with hopes of the plant being operational by 2029.

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Source note: Star News TV · Oct 13, 2026 10:02 PM.