West Virginia Regulators to Hold Hearings on Gary's Troubled Water System

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has scheduled public hearings to address the troubled water system in the town of Gary. The investigation was launched in July 2025 due to substantial water loss, management challenges, and long-standing water quality issues at the town's water plant. The PSC has advised that the utility be designated as 'distressed' and has asked the McDowell County Public Service District to assist the town of Gary.

Why it matters

Access to clean, reliable water is a fundamental need for any community. The issues plaguing Gary's water system have left residents without consistent access to safe drinking water, posing public health risks. The hearings aim to find solutions to address the town's water woes and determine if the utility should be designated as 'distressed' to enable additional support and oversight.

The details

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has scheduled two hearings to address the problems with Gary's municipal water system. A public comment hearing will be held on March 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the McDowell Armory in Welch. This will be followed by an evidentiary hearing. The PSC launched a general investigation into the Gary Municipal Water Works in July 2025 due to substantial water loss, management challenges, and long-standing water quality issues at the town's water plant.

• The PSC investigation into Gary's water system began in July 2025.
• A public comment hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
• An evidentiary hearing will be held after the public comment hearing on March 19, 2026.

What’s next

The PSC will hold the public comment and evidentiary hearings on March 19, 2026 to gather input and determine if Gary's water system should be designated as 'distressed', which would enable additional support and oversight.