West Virginia Public Service Commission Urges Utilities to Submit Fire Hydrant Information to Address Water Pressure Issues

The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) is calling for over 300 water utilities in the state to provide information regarding fire hydrants in response to an order issued at the end of June. PSC Chair Charlotte Lane informed state lawmakers during interim committee meetings in Charleston that the commission wants to establish an inventory of fire hydrants and ensure they are functioning correctly.

Lane mentioned that approximately 120 responses have been received thus far, but the rest of the utilities are still being encouraged to respond. The order was issued after faulty fire hydrants in Charleston prevented firefighters from extinguishing a fire at the residence of Kanawha County Board of Education member Ric Cavender in May. Cavender subsequently filed a lawsuit against West Virginia American Water Company (WVAWC), claiming damages to his property and the death of his dog.