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Welch Today
By the People, for the People
Hearings Scheduled for Gary Water System
West Virginia regulators to hold public and evidentiary hearings on troubled town's water utility.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has scheduled hearings this month regarding the status of the town of Gary's water system. A public comment hearing will be held on March 19 at the McDowell Armory, followed by an evidentiary hearing. The investigation was prompted by long-standing water quality issues, substantial water loss, and management challenges at the water plant in the McDowell County town.
Why it matters
The hearings are an important step in addressing the ongoing problems with Gary's municipal water system, which has faced significant challenges for years. The outcome could lead to the town's water utility being designated as distressed and the involvement of the McDowell County Public Service District to assist in managing the system.
The details
In July 2025, the Commission opened a general investigation under the Distressed and Failing Utilities Improvement Act concerning the Gary Municipal Water Works. On February 6, Commission staff recommended that the utility be designated distressed and that McDowell County Public Service District be named to assist Gary.
- The public comment hearing will begin at 11 a.m. on March 19, 2026.
- The evidentiary hearing will follow the public comment hearing on March 19, 2026.
The players
Public Service Commission of West Virginia
The state regulatory agency responsible for overseeing utility services, including water, in West Virginia.
Gary Municipal Water Works
The municipal water utility serving the town of Gary, West Virginia, which has faced long-standing issues with water quality, water loss, and management challenges.
McDowell County Public Service District
The regional public service district that may be named to assist in managing the Gary Municipal Water Works if it is designated as a distressed utility.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on whether to designate the Gary Municipal Water Works as a distressed utility and approve the involvement of the McDowell County Public Service District.
The takeaway
The hearings are a critical step in addressing the longstanding problems with Gary's municipal water system, which has faced significant challenges for years. The outcome could lead to the town's water utility being designated as distressed and the involvement of a regional public service district to help manage the system and improve service for residents.
