2024-01-30 03:07:21
West Virginia PSC: Paden City water system not distressed, needs improvement
by Jesse Cain
Monday, Jan 29th 2024
An investigation looked at the managerial, financial, technical, and engineering side of the complications with Paden City’s water. The PSC got involved following the chemical PCE was found in the water.
PADEN CITY, W.Va. —
The Public Service Commission of West Virginia conducted an evidentiary hearing and public comments Monday in Paden City to see if the water system was distressed and a failing utility.
An investigation looked at the managerial, financial, technical, and engineering side of the complications with Paden City’s water. The PSC got involved following the chemical PCE was found in the water.
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Officials said city officials responded accordingly.
“It’s really important that people have good potable water, and they have faith in their water system,” PSC chair Charlotte Lane said. “And that’s why we’re here; to hear those concerns and then, if necessary, we’ll make possible recommendations.”
Several residents voiced their opinions regarding the situation. Some believe the city was capable of fixing the problem moving forward, and others want complete change.
As for the hearing, PSC members said the system was not in distress, but needs improvements.
“They are not financially distressed or failing,” Bob Cadle, a PSC utilities analyst, said.
“OK, well, we need to do a quality assessment, and with that assessment, with respect to water treatment, so that we’re always certain that we have facilities in place that can accommodate almost any problem,” PSC engineer Jim Weimer said.
They also recommended better training of employees and staff, more water meters and better communication with the public.
The investigation found that while PCE concentration levels can vary, when the water is treated with the air stripper it is in compliance with regulatory agencies.
But because of an electrical surge in the summer of 2023, the air stripper was down and water was sent through a valve bypass, which lead to the contaminant level exceeding what it should. Since then, the valve bypass has been removed.
“If you feel safer and that makes you more comfortable, drink bottled water,” Paden City public works superintendent Josh Billiter said. “The regulations on bottled water are no more stringent than the regulations on water you get out of the tap. So, if you feel more comfortable drinking bottled water, by all means. If you feel better drinking tap water, drink tap water.”
While it’s not believed that the system is in distress or failing, different measures moving forward were discussed.
That includes more frequent well tests and added help for city utility employees that cover the water system on top of other responsibilities.
“It seems to me that the employees of the utility are working very, very hard and have lots of responsibilities,” Lane said. “And I was just concerned that maybe they need some help. And, hopefully, maybe city council can take a look at hiring more people.”
Lane shared that she doesn’t know when the decision will be for the Paden City water system case, but she said the PSC of West Virginia will give it a lot of attention.
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