WEIRTON, W.Va. — The Weirton Area Water Board is awaiting a decision on federal funding that could help repair a problematic section of downtown water line responsible for repeated service disruptions.
Officials say the issue centers on a 12-inch main along Walnut Street, which has experienced multiple breaks in recent months. A major break in late January caused low or no water pressure in parts of downtown, following another break in December that contributed to conservation advisories and boil orders.
The aging line, which feeds from the Lee Avenue reservoir, has been identified as a weak point in the city’s water distribution system.
The board has submitted a funding application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address the issue. The request is currently under review, with a decision expected in the coming months. This marks the second attempt to secure funding after a previous $4.34 million request was denied in October 2024.
As a backup option, officials have discussed implementing a Distribution System Improvement Charge through the West Virginia Public Service Commission. The program would temporarily increase customer bills to fund the repairs, with the surcharge ending once the project is completed.
