Couple claim foreign substance was in tap water

CHARLESTON - A couple are suing West Virginia-American Water Company for a foreign substance in their water supply.

In November, J. Scott Breeden and Candida Breeden noticed a foreign substance in their tap water and reported the substance to the defendant on Nov. 19, according to a complaint filed Sept. 5 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

The Breedens claim the defendant reported to their residence, inspected the water and observed the foreign substance in the water.

The defendant had a duty to provide clean water to the Breedens, as its customers, and negligently allowed the foreign substances into their water supply and in failing to correct the problems, according to the suit.

The Breedens claim the defendants failed to install the corrective devices and was negligent in providing them with water free of foreign substances.

The water produces a noxious odor on occasion and the Breedens are concerned about the safety of drinking the water and, as such, avoid using the water for cooking and drinking and instead purchase bottled water for these purposes, according to the suit.

The Breedens are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by G. Patrick Jacobs of the Law Office of G. Patrick Jacobs.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-1683