New Delhi, Feb. 23 -- For families in McDowell County in West Virginia, one of the poorest corners of America, everyday survival has never been more uncertain. The residents are now compelled to buy bottled water, something which they can barely afford, because the tap water can either be brown or black when it flows from the ageing pipes, CBS News reported.

Citing a pastor, Brad Davis, who leads congregations at five United Methodist churches in the county, the report said that there are people in McDowell County who haven't had a hot shower in six years. The pastor added that "this shouldn't be the case, anywhere in the world, let alone in the wealthiest nation in the world".

Many in the county are also forced to fill up their jugs of...