Gary residents air concerns over distressed water utility at PSC public hearing in Welch

Concerns over water conditions in Gary have prompted action at both the county and state level, but estimated timeframes are leaving residents with more concerns than reassurances.

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has had an ongoing investigation since July 2025 into Gary Municipal Water Works over reports of longstanding issues with infrastructure reliability and water quality.

WVOW News

CITY OF GARY A public and evidentiary hearing was held Thursday in Welch by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia to determine whether Gary should be classified as a failed or distressed utility.

Residents described ongoing issues with discolored water and aging infrastructure. A state consumer advocate described the city's water as only being suitable for "flushing toilets."

Some of the municipality's water tanks are estimated to be around 60 years old and have reportedly deteriorated beyond repair. PSC officials and engineers said the system faces major challenges, including leaks that account for roughly 94 percent of the city's treated water being lost, as well as the deteriorating tanks and the need for infrastructure to support a secondary water source.

A proposed solution would allow the McDowell County Public Service District to operate the system, while the City of Gary retains ownership. Officials say bringing in an experienced operator could be a first step toward stabilizing service; however, the agreement still requires approval from both the PSC and Gary City Council.

Attorneys representing the PSC raised concerns during Thursday’s meeting — and even raised the possibility of filing a moratorium on the proposal — over rate increases for customers and a lack of communication from county leaders. A March 13 filing with the PSC says the arrangement would transfer day-to-day operations, maintenance, billing, and repairs to the PSD while customers remain city customers paying city rates. The agreement also includes job offers for three current city water employees and outlines a long-term plan to transfer ownership of the system to the PSD after upgrades are completed.

Even if the plan to hand system operations over to the PSD does receive approval, improvements are expected to take years and require millions of dollars. A full system renovation could take up to a decade. Some residents and advocates say that timeline is too long and are calling for immediate relief, such as emergency water distribution.

At this time, officials say no such measures are in place.

PHOTO | engin akyurt