WEIRTON, W.Va. — The Public Service Commission of West Virginia Wednesday ordered the Weirton Area Water Board to implement proposals and action plans to address water problems.
The board submitted plans in October on how to replace cast iron and galvanized pipe in the water system over the next five years.
Last winter, between 300 and 400 residents were without water for an extended period of time due to main breaks. An investigation from the PSC showed that 40 percent of the city’s water lines are above the frost line, which is against state requirements.
According to a release, the PSC wants the water board’s action plans to be centered around the following:
- Replace cast iron and galvanized pipes in the system over the next five years
- Implement a leak detection and repair program
- Achieve a water loss percentage of 15% or less
- Resolve health violations
- Provide possible alternative water supply
- Have alerts to customers via text and email
- Provide emergency contact information for all customers at least once a year
The PSC also directed the city to submit quarterly progress reports. Those begin on January 15.