#United States #Charleston #Infrastructure #West Virginia #American Water

Urgency for Increased Investment in West Virginia Water Infrastructure

The recent release of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2025 Report Card has cast a harsh light on West Virginia's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, marking them with dismally low grades. The state's drinking water infrastructure received a D+, while wastewater infrastructure was scored even lower at D. In light of these findings, Scott Wyman, President of West Virginia American Water, has called for immediate action and collaboration to address these critical issues.

A Clear Warning Signal

Wyman articulated serious concerns regarding the implications of these grades, emphasizing that they serve as a clear warning regarding the pressing need for investment in the state's water systems. He stated, "West Virginia's lagging infrastructure grades are a clear warning sign that the state's water systems need more investment." Despite substantial efforts from West Virginia American Water, which has made over $736 million in investments toward enhancing service and modernizing water systems, Wyman insists that collective efforts are necessary for enduring improvements.

The report's dire findings highlight not just the current inadequacies of the infrastructure but also the necessity for substantial financial commitment going forward. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2023 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment, West Virginia requires approximately $4.5 billion for drinking water infrastructure developments over the next two decades. This figure significantly increases when considering the requirements for wastewater systems, which indicate an urgent and growing need for resources.

Collaboration is Key

Wyman advocates for concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved—utilities, regulators, legislators, and local leaders—to overcome this challenge. "Meeting these needs will take sustained investment and coordinated action," he remarked. The president of West Virginia American Water stressed that communities should not face these challenges alone and emphasized planning intelligently, bolstering struggling systems, and investing strategically in key projects.

By addressing these needs head-on, Wyman believes West Virginia can enhance its infrastructure grades and secure a more resilient water future for the state. He concluded, "We can see better grades and build a stronger, more resilient water future for West Virginia."

Commitment to Safe Water Services

For its part, West Virginia American Water underscores its commitment to providing safe and reliable water services to its nearly 583,000 customers. The company's parent corporation, American Water, plans to invest over $46 billion across its operational areas, including West Virginia, over the next ten years. This investment would significantly bolster the state's water infrastructure and help ensure the delivery of quality services to those reliant on these essential systems.

In summary, the alarming findings from the ASCE report serve not only as a wake-up call but as an opportunity for collaboration among all stakeholders dedicated to improving West Virginia's water infrastructure. Through targeted investments and shared responsibility, the state can aim to raise its grades and ensure that its communities have access to safe and reliable water resources for years to come.