This report provides information on the economic and social impacts of contaminated surface and ground water supplies on residents and households near surface mining operations. The focus is on coal slurry contamination of water supplies in Mingo County, West Virginia, and describes community health problems and costs over time. According to public records, 1.4 billion gallons of toxic slurry were pumped into underground mine shafts contaminating streams and well water of 769 residents in Rawl, Lick Creek, Merrimac and Sprigg, WV in the mid-1980s. Additional information on household water treatment and alternative sources of drinking water are provided to help communities solve drinking water contamination problems near mining operations.