CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia American Water is actively working to locate and replace lead and certain galvanized water lines in the Charleston and Huntington areas as part of a proactive initiative to comply with forthcoming EPA regulations. The utility has embarked on “potholing” efforts, which involve digging to identify the materials used in water lines.
Senior project engineer Levi Filsinger explained that the crews are focusing on areas within approximately five feet of water meters to determine the composition of the lines. This initiative is vital, as the EPA regulations set to take effect require utilities to replace any lead lines. Should lead or problematic galvanized lines be discovered, American Water will handle the cost of their replacement.
“Because of the EPA regulation, by 2037, if lines need replacement due to lead or other issues, American Water would pay for the water line replacement,” Filsinger noted.
In an effort to keep residents informed, American Water posts public notices a week prior to starting work in any area. For those who might be hesitant about the disruption caused by digging, Filsinger suggested a collaborative approach: “If you don’t want us digging in your yard, come out and talk to our crew. We can send a team to identify the lines without digging,” he said, underscoring the utility’s commitment to accommodating community concerns.
The potholing activities are centered on regions with older infrastructure that may contain lead lines, although Filsinger reported, “We’ve been conducting this for three weeks now, and we haven’t found any lead.” This underscores a hopeful sentiment; while the search for lead lines is crucial for public safety, the lack of findings could suggest fewer issues than initially feared.
West Virginia American Water plans to carry on with these potholing efforts until 2026, aiming to complete any required line replacements by 2027. This proactive approach not only aligns with regulatory standards but also emphasizes the utility’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of water in the region.