West Virginia American Water Prepares for Statewide Operational Impacts from Weather System

West Virginia American Water is preparing to respond to potential operational impacts related to a weather system impacting the company’s 19-county service territory tonight and tomorrow. Ice and wet, heavy snow are anticipated; therefore, the company’s primary concern is for power outages that could affect any of the company’s hundreds of electricity dependent facilities, such as pumping stations and pressure regulating stations.

Following the derecho in 2012, West Virginia American Water purchased additional fixed and portable generators. Generators have been fueled and tested, and technicians are ready to deploy them as needed. Company vehicles are being fueled, along with portable safety cans with additional emergency fuel supplies.

Dramatic temperature swings may result in water main breaks and service line leaks that the company cannot predict. Additional employees have been scheduled to respond to service disruptions if they occur, and contractors as well as employees from neighboring American Water subsidiaries are on standby to respond to main breaks or equipment transport needs.

While customer usage remains highest during cold temperatures, treatment plant operators have maintained elevated production rates at the company’s nine water treatment plants to keep distribution systems and tanks as full as possible. The company’s goal is to maximize storage to minimize any impact from local outages that may occur.

“Our team will work around the clock in response to any issues that develop in the safest manner possible,” said West Virginia American Water president Jeff McIntyre. “High water, road closures and poor driving conditions may lengthen response times, so we appreciate your patience and understanding as our workers carry out their tasks under challenging circumstances.”

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