Welch Named as Possible Water Supplier in Gary’s Utility Proceedings
In a move that might finally bring relief to Gary residents, the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened formal proceedings to determine whether Gary’s municipal water system is “distressed or failing.
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In a move that might finally bring relief to Gary residents, the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened formal proceedings to determine whether Gary’s municipal water system is “distressed or failing.” The McDowell County Public Service District (PSD) has already been named as a respondent and was previously recommended by PSC staff to assume control of the system under an operations and maintenance agreement. Now, the City of Welch has also been added to the case, with 30 days to submit a formal response detailing its ability to supply water to Gary.
All parties involved must also meet within another 30 days to propose hearing dates and locations—both a public comment hearing and an evidentiary hearing—to be held in or near Gary. Residents have long complained about discolored, greasy water that damages laundry and raises health concerns. State reports from the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health show high levels of iron, manganese, and other contaminants in the system.
PSC documents also reveal severe water loss—about 76 percent of treated water is lost through leaks or unmetered usage. Further investigations have uncovered corroded pipes, exposed wiring, lead contamination, and failures to properly monitor disinfection and bacterial levels. The utility has also been cited for not coordinating with state health officials after fecal coliform was detected in groundwater sources. Gary’s water system currently serves about 416 customers, reflecting the small size of the community.
If the PSC ultimately determines that the system is failing, possible outcomes include transferring operational control to McDowell PSD, allowing Welch to become the supplier, or approving another management option. The inclusion of Welch creates a comparative process where regulators can evaluate which plan offers the most reliable, cost-effective solution for restoring safe water to Gary. Residents are encouraged to take part in upcoming public hearings once dates are announced and to stay informed through official notices.