Weirton Water Customer Notice
Date: January 31, 2025
The Weirton Area Water Board (the “Board”) provides the following update relating to the City of Weirton water issues:
The Water Treatment Plant produces approximately 2,300 gallons of potable water per minute, which is very close to normal production levels. The water issues lie not in water production but in water distribution from the treatment plant to the water tanks throughout Weirton. Any rumors suggesting otherwise are false. Since potable water is produced at the Weirton Treatment Plant on Freedom Way, it must be distributed across the City. The Water Department relies on two large pumps to send water to the three Weirton Heights tanks (PencoRoad, Belleview Drive, and the East End Tank near the Weirton Medical Center) for water supplies in the Weirton Heights areas. However, before water can be pumped to Weirton Heights, the Lee Ave. reservoir on Marland Heights must first be partially filled.
Ongoing weather-related water line breaks continue to prevent the Water Department from filling the Lee Ave. reservoir, preventing water from reaching the Weirton Heights tanks in necessary quantities. Plus, a significant of the water being produced and sent is not reaching these tanks due to numerous breaks – many of which remain undetected – along the distribution route to these tanks. As a result, the Weirton Heights tanks remain below standard capacity, leading to diminished water supply and pressure issues. The Marland Heights water tank is supplied via a different water distribution line due to its close proximity to the Water Treatment Plant, which is why Marland Heights generally maintains a normal water supply and pressure despite the ongoing distribution challenges.
The number of water line breaks has approximately doubled compared with the winter months from past years. Many towns and counties in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are experiencing similar problems. The Water Department continues to identify and repair broken water lines throughout Weirton. However, detecting leaks becomes significantly more challenging when the ground is frozen, as it masks the typical signs of a break and makes pipe inspections more challenging. Also, frozen ground can conceal puddles or damp spots that generally indicate a leak, as the water may seep into the soil without appearing on the surface.
Additionally, the sound of running water – a key leak indicator – may be muffled or undetectable. The rate at which frozen ground thaws depends on factors such as soil conditions, temperature, and the thickness of the frozen layer. Generally, the top layer thaws faster than the deeper layers, further complicating the detection and repair process.
Despite these difficulties, our employees continue to find new water line breaks. In addition, the West Virginia American Water Company has sent a three-person leak detection team to help locate water line breaks. The Board thanks State Senator Ryan Weld for his efforts in obtaining this leak detection team.
Over the past few days, the Water Department repaired three large leaks (Potomac Ave., Peter Tarr furnace area, and Kusic Street on Cove Road), but new breaks keep occurring or have yet to be detected. Also, the leak detection teams have recently discovered several water linebreaks involving customer laterals (lines that connect a home or business to the public water lines). Any repairs to laterals are the customer’s responsibility, pursuant to the West Virginia Public Service Commission regulations. The Water Board asks customers to notify it if they notice sinking or soft spots in their yard, indicating water accumulation beneath the surface, or if your water meter shows movement even when all faucets and fixtures are turned off. Owners of unoccupied structures should also check for leaks.
Pressure and flow volume have generally increased on Weirton Heights, and depending on elevations, most customers should experience an increase in water flow. The Board cautions there may be setbacks in the future, but the situation is trending in the right direction. The Board is confident that the water supply and pressure issues will stabilize as the broken water lines are identified and repaired.
The Board believes there are generally three types of affected customers:
1) Customers with water service and normal pressure
These customers are generally in the Marland Heights, Downtown, Weir Ave., County Road, Kings Creek Bowl, and Weir Crest areas, and some customers on Weirton Heights in the low-lying areas (e.g., Culler Road, Kings Creek, S. 11th Street, Kingsview, and N. 12th Street). The Board estimates that about 85% of its customer base falls into this category.
There is no general boil water order for these customers. However, the Water Board may issue a boil water order for specific customers in areas where a water line break occurs, such as along a particular street.
2) Customers with water service but low water pressure
These customers are generally in the greater Weirton Heights (including Angeline Estates, Terrace Heights, old Colliers Way, and Culler Road). There are customers along or near Penn. Ave. that have little to no service, depending on their property elevations. The Board estimates that about 13% of its customer base falls into this category.
There is a general boil order for all customers in the greater Weirton Heights area. This
general boil order will remain in effect for at least 10 more days. If you have a question about whether the boil order applies to your area, please contact the Weirton Water Treatment Plant at the number below.
The low water pressures at Weirton Elementary School, Madonna High School, and St. Joseph’s School will probably not normalize until February 10. As a result, water services to these schools will need to be supplemented.
3) Customers without water service
These customers are in the highest elevations of the City of Weirton, including the Crest Street and Highview Circle areas and certain areas of the 2000-3000 block of Penn. Ave. The Board estimates that about 2% of its customer base falls into this category.
The supply and low water pressure issues for these customers should stabilize, consistent with the Water Department’s ability to locate and fix broken water lines. The Board believes the water supply and pressure issues will probably not be fully resolved until about February 10.
The Water Department provides free bottled water for Weirton Heights water customers without water service. Appropriate identification and proof of residence are required. Until further notice, the water bottles may be picked up at the Gilson Avenue Fire Station from 3-6 p.m., seven days a week. The Department is working to supply water for sanitary flush purposes to customers without water service.
Also, the Water Department is distributing non-potable water (that can be used for flushing toilets, laundry, watering plants, etc.) to Weirton Heights customers without water service from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. daily until further notice. Distribution will be from the County Road Fire Station at 1500 County Road, Weirton. Customers must provide proof of address to obtain the water. Each customer can receive up to 5 gallons daily and must bring containers to transport the water. Weirton Heights residents who have water service should carefully conserve water until further notice.
Further, the Weirton Transit Department offers free rides to citizens with low or no water pressure who wish to utilize the Millsop Community Center’s facilities to shower free of charge. Please refer to the City of Weirton’s website for more details.
Finally, the mandatory conservation order for the entire City of Weirton will continue until about February 17. Most businesses may remain open, consistent with the Water Board’s Water Conservation Notice.
The Water Department, Mayor Dean Harris, and City Manager Michael Adams continue to seek and receive assistance related to these issues from the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health, West Virginia Office of Emergency Services, West Virginia Governor’s Office, Hancock County Commission, Brooke and Hancock Emergency Management Services, Hancock County Health Department, and Delegates Pat McGeehan and Mark Zatezalo. The Water Board thanks its employees for working hard to resolve these issues. The Board will issue updates at least weekly until these water issues are resolved. The Board thanks you for your patience as we work through these challenges.
Weirton Area Water Board
125 East Belleview Drive
Weirton, WV 26062
For more information contact:
Weirton Water Treatment Plant
Phone: (304) 797-8566
Fax: (304) 797-8529
Public Water System ID# 3300516
