WEIRTON, W.Va. — The Weirton Area Water Board received updates Thursday on several major infrastructure projects, including a water treatment plant upgrade that is now approximately 90% complete.
According to project officials, construction on the treatment plant is expected to be finished by Nov. 16.
During the meeting, several residents and local officials spoke about ongoing concerns surrounding the city’s water quality and called for greater transparency from the water board.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Brittany Holloway asked board members about pump reports dating back to the 2023 East Palestine train derailment after receiving documents from a resident seeking additional information. Utilities Director A.D. “Butch” Mastrantoni said he had not received the reports but would review them if provided.
Resident Chris Gruda, a former water board employee, also addressed the board, saying he believes more public communication would help rebuild trust with the community. He said residents continue to seek answers about the city’s water system and encouraged officials to provide more meaningful public updates.
In addition to the treatment plant improvements, engineers discussed plans to replace aging iron and galvanized water lines throughout the city. The proposed infrastructure project carries an estimated cost of $190 million and remains in the planning stages after a report was submitted to the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council.
