Kanawha Falls PSD will not sign operating agreement with West Virginia American Water

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. (WOWK) — A Fayette County-based Public Service District says it can not comply with a Supreme Court order to enter into a maintenance agreement with West Virginia American Water (WVAW).

This order was given by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia and was brought to light through letters between the two agencies.

The Kanawha Falls Public Service District said that it would be illegal to enter into a maintenance agreement with WVAW because of outstanding loan debt with the Department of Agriculture. This requires the PSD to maintain control of its own system and not be managed through a separate company, which is how the order would work with WVAW.

The Kanawha Falls PSD’s inability to comply comes after multiple instances that left the Public Service Commission asking whether it was able to provide services. Most notably, the ongoing service issues in the Cannelton Holler following the 2022 flooding, and major water service issues at the Mt. Olive Correctional Facility over this July 4th weekend.

At this time, the Public Service Commission has determined that both the Kanawha Falls PSD and Gauley River PSD are unable to provide services and need to be managed by West Virginia American Water. The Gauley River PSD is Mt. Olive’s supplier, and Kanawha Falls PSD is Gauley River PSD’s supplier.

“Over the last three days, KFPSD has supplied GRPSD with more than 500,000 gallons of water,” says Kanahwa Falls in a letter from Thursday.

In a statement to 12 News’ Charleston affiliate, WOWK, West Virginia American Water said:

West Virginia American Water took swift action to support Kanawha Falls PSD, Gauley River PSD, and the Mount Olive Correctional Complex. WVAW immediately sent a water tanker to the prison to provide an emergency supply. Additionally, with PSC action, WVAW then assisted the two public service districts that serve the prison, deploying our crews to identify 34 leaks and repair 23 across an expansive and complex system. 

Thanks to these efforts, water service was successfully restored to the prison after days of intensive work. 

WVAW remains fully committed to strengthening and stabilizing the system and to seeking a long-term and sustainable solution for this area. While this situation, and its impact on a major employer like the prison, is important, it is also a warning call that critical water and wastewater infrastructure in the state need attention. Last year’s drought pushed many systems across the state to the brink, and we are seeing a troubling pattern emerge. West Virginia American Water remains committed to supporting communities in times of crisis, but we cannot do it alone. A coordinated, statewide effort is essential to ensure resilient infrastructure for all.