Weirton Cast Iron and Galvanized Water Line Replacement Project
The Public Service Commission (PSC) requires the Weirton Area Water Board (WAWB) to replace approximately 615,000 linear feet of cast iron and galvanized water lines throughout the water distribution system by 2030.
The Water Board is proposing an initial project to replace lines in the Downtown North region and galvanized lines throughout the broader system. The project collectively replaces less than 25% of the lines identified for replacement
- Downtown North: 32,706 LF (5.3%)
- Galvanized Steel: 106,794 LF (17.4%)
The Water Board is seeking funding in the amount of $39.22 million to support the project. Of that total, $28.2 million would be financed directly through customer rates, which translates to an approximate rate increase of 68% for water customers.
| Congressionally Directed Spending | $10,000,000 |
| Private Loan (4%, 35 years) | $18,970,000 |
| DWTRF Loan (2.75%, .25% AF, 20 years) | $4,250,000 |
| IDJC Loan (3%, 20 years) | $5,000,000 |
| DWTRF Principal Forgiveness | $1,000,000 |
| Total | $39,220,000 |
Because this project focuses on a small portion of the total mandate, additional funding (and rate increases) will be necessary to complete future projects.
The ultimate authority to approve changes to municipal water rates rests directly with the Weirton City Council.
Municipal water utilities that serve at least 4,500 customers and generate $3 million or more in gross annual revenues (a threshold Weirton meets) fall under local rate-setting control in accordance with West Virginia Code § 24-2-4b.
While the Weirton Area Water Board has operational autonomy to control and manage the water distribution system, the board cannot enact rate hikes. Any proposed rate modification must be submitted to the City Council as a municipal ordinance. The ordinance requires public notification, a formal public hearing to receive input from ratepayers, and two separate majority votes by council members.
The following documents demonstrate City Council’s authority for approving rate increases as part of the Water Improvement Project.
- Ordinance No 2186 approved April 11, 2022
- Water Utility Tariff adopted by City Council on April 11, 2022 and issued March 4, 2026.
Contact your elected officials if you have concerns over this project. Ask what they are doing to find alternative funding, what options they are pursuing, and how they plan to protect customers from additional rate increases.
Residents should not be expected to simply write the check. We should expect our elected officials to find the best deal possible.
City Contacts
| Name | Role | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dean Harris | Mayor | 304-797-8500 Ext. 1002 | mayor@cityofweirton.com |
| Timothy Connell | Councilman – Ward 1 | 304-479-6761 | ward1@cityofweirton.com |
| Ralph Cunningham | Councilman – Ward 2 | 304-479-6762 | ward2@cityofweirton.com |
| Jesse Keeder | Councilman – Ward 3 | 304-479-6763 | ward3@cityofweirton.com |
| Rick Stead | Councilman – Ward 4 | 304-479-6764 | ward4@cityofweirton.com |
| Brittany Holloway | Councilwoman – Ward 5 | 304-479-6765 | ward5@cityofweirton.com |
| Anthony Rocchio | Councilman – Ward 6 | 304-479-6858 | ward6@cityofweirton.com |
| Christopher Jonczak | Councilman – Ward 7 | 304-479-3438 | ward7@cityofweirton.com |
State Contacts
| Name | Role | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Zatezalo | Delegate | (304) 340-3101 | mark.zatezalo@wvhouse.gov |
| Pat McGeehan | Delegate | (304) 374-7018 | pat.mcgeehan@wvhouse.gov |
| Laura Chapman | State Senator | (304) 357-7918 | laura.chapman@wvsenate.gov |
| Ryan Weld | State Senator | (304) 357-7984 | ryan.weld@wvsenate.gov |
Proposed Rate Increase
| Gallons | Current Rates | Proposed Rates | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,400 | $41.60 | $70.03 | $28.43 |
| 4,000 | $47.00 | $79.12 | $32.12 |
WAWB Survey
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Public Commentary