Bluefield Receives Proposals to Sell Water Utility

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The town of Bluefield, Virginia has received unsolicited proposals from private water companies Aqua and Virginia American Water to purchase the town's water utility system. Town officials are initiating a public information process, including a town hall meeting, to ensure residents and stakeholders are informed about the proposals and the future of Bluefield's water services.

Why it matters

This is a significant development for the town of Bluefield, as the sale of the municipal water system to a private entity could have major implications for residents and businesses in terms of water rates, service quality, and local control over a critical public resource.

The details

According to a press release from the Town of Bluefield, the unsolicited proposals were submitted by Aqua and Virginia American Water, both private water companies. Town officials are required by the town code and Virginia law to undergo a transparent public review process, which will include a town hall meeting on February 17th for residents and stakeholders to learn more about the proposals and provide input. No decisions have been made yet by the town regarding the proposals.

• The town hall meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
• The town received the unsolicited proposals from Aqua and Virginia American Water.

What’s next

The town will host a public town hall meeting on February 17th to allow residents and stakeholders to learn more about the proposals and provide input. After gathering public feedback, the town will continue reviewing the proposals but has not made any decisions yet.