By Scott Wyman, President, West Virginia American Water
A new report card released from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) shows West Virginia’s water and wastewater systems are in crisis. Drinking water infrastructure earned a D+, and wastewater a D—grades that speak to an immediate need for investment, repair, and modernization across the state.
According to the EPA’s 2023 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment, West Virginia needs $4.5 billion to address its drinking water infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, with even more required to cover the state’s wastewater systems. We’re in the midst of a systemic, widespread infrastructure crisis.
Investing at Scale
As the state’s largest, and nearly sole, regulated water utility, West Virginia American Water provides water and wastewater services to 583,000 people in 430 communities. Over the past decade, West Virginia American Water has invested more than $736 million in the state to repair and upgrade aging water infrastructure, an investment far greater than any other water or wastewater utility in the state. West Virginia American Water’s parent company, American Water, also plans to invest $46-$48 billion in the next 10 years in 14 states, including West Virginia.
But the scale of the problem means that no one entity can solve the infrastructure crisis alone. Progress requires a collaborative process where public and private stakeholders—legislators, regulators and utilities—work together to address West Virginia’s immediate and long-term infrastructure needs.
Communities benefit when stakeholders unite toward a common goal: Data from the Value of Water Campaign found that for every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, upwards of 10 jobs are generated. Water is a necessity—and it’s an economic engine.
West Virginia’s Unique Water Challenges
West Virginia’s rugged terrain and dispersed population make our water infrastructure complex and costly to maintain.
The state has 276 Public Service Districts (PSDs) and municipally owned water systems, some serving as few as 17 customers. In 2023, annual reports submitted to the Public Water Commission, reported 64% of these public water providers had a negative net income, leaving many systems unable to fund repairs or keep up with regulatory water quality standards.
When public water emergency situations arise, the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) turns to neighboring systems for help. Frequently, smaller PSDs and municipalities can’t assist and West Virginia American Water steps in to provide aid or operate the system.
When Weirton Elementary went without water for more than a week, West Virginia American Water answered the call, providing a tanker and leak detection crews. With a tanker providing running water, the school re-opened and the West Virginia American Water team and equipment went to work locating 47 leaks in total.
In July 2025, Mount Olive Correctional Facility was without water. West Virginia American Water answered the call to help Kanawha Falls and Gauley River PSDs, both of which serve the Mount Olive Correctional Facility. West Virginia American Water sent a tanker to the prison to provide a temporary water solution and leak detection crews, and equipment went to work locating and repairing dozens of leaks within the complex system. The end result–restored service to both the correctional facility and Kanawha Falls customers.
Solutions to Support Affordability
West Virginia American Water is able to support communities and invest in infrastructure at its current rate because of the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) and Wastewater System Improvement Charge (WSIC) included on customer bills. These small surcharges—often only a few pennies—fund the replacement and improvement of aging infrastructure, such as mains, service lines, and related equipment.
These mechanisms must be preserved in order to fund critical infrastructure projects on an ongoing basis. These projects improve the reliability of the water distribution system, help create jobs and attract and retain businesses that rely on a stable, efficient, and cost‐effective water supply.
In addition, West Virginia could benefit from the establishment of a sustainable, publicly supported mechanism for long-term investment and emergency response.
Allowing regulated utilities, public or private, to recoup costs associated with emergency interventions—rather than placing those costs on the backs of existing customers—benefits communities and promotes affordability. West Virginia American Water would receive no financial benefit from this funding, but it would allow us to continue helping local systems while minimizing the impact on our customers.
Regulated water utilities like West Virginia American Water prioritize future investments to address the most critical needs. Today, West Virginia American Water’s investment dollars are focused on replacing aging water mains in communities where decades-old infrastructure poses the greatest risk to reliability. In 2025, West Virginia American Water invested more than $7.8 million across its service areas, including Ashford, Nitro and Princeton, to replace pipes, reduce leaks and service disruptions, and strengthen water systems for residents and businesses.
In the end, making investments now to improve resiliency and reliability can reduce the need for costly repairs in the future, meaning lower long-term costs for customers.
Access to safe, reliable water shouldn’t depend on financial circumstances. That’s why West Virginia American Water offers several programs to support customers who face financial challenges. The H2O “Help to Others” Program awards grants of up to $350 per household every six months, based on need, and low-income customers may be eligible for reduced monthly rates on their water and/or wastewater bills. Payment arrangements, budget billing, and installment plans are all available, and qualifying customers can also request to adjust their due date.
Working Toward a Sustainable Future
Investing in water and wastewater infrastructure means investing in a sustainable future. Every West Virginian should be able to depend on strong, resilient water and wastewater systems to meet critical needs such as drinking, sanitation, agriculture and public safety. West Virginia American Water is committed to delivering safe, clean, reliable water—now and for years to come.