CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Public Service Commission of West Virginia on Wednesday opened an investigation into water pressure standards.
The order said the Commission was creating a task force to study the standards and related matters on an advisory basis.
The task force is to make recommendations on water pressure, including minimum and maximum pressure standards, waiver provisions, measurement methodologies, customer notification requirements, and any other related matters identified by the task force.
The probe is for investigatory purposes and should not be construed to say current standards are inadequate. The Commission may make use of the findings “to determine whether additional proceedings, including a proposed rulemaking proceeding, should be initiated.”
Named to the task force were: West Virginia-American Water Co. (WVAMC), West Virginia Rural Water Association, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, the PSC Consumer Advocate Division, Commission legal staff and Charleston businessman Howard Swint. Other parties may ask to be added by contacting the PSC’s Executive Secretary’s Office by August 3.
Legal staff shall chair the meetings, the first of which should occur by September 4. The task force’s final report and recommendations should be filed with the Commission by November 13.
Swint filed a complaint with the Commission in 2023 against WVAWC concerning water pressure in one of his buildings. He alleged his line pressure exceeded industry standards and contributed to property damage.
More information on this case can be found on the PSC website: www.psc.state.wv.us. Click on “Case Information” and access Case No. 26-0631-PWD-W-GI.
