Harpers Ferry officers report progress on water distribution projects, meters and reduced leakage

Town officials on Aug. 11 updated the Harpers Ferry Town Council on several water‑system efforts, including completion work on a $3.4 million WPA‑funded water distribution project, a congressionally directed EPA grant project that requires matching funds, planned meter upgrades and early results showing reduced leakage.

Town Treasurer Debbie summarized year‑end financials for fiscal 2025 and Budget & Finance members briefed the council on capital projects. Council member Norm (reporting for Budget & Finance) said the WPA distribution project is “wrapping up” with landscaping and restorative work remaining and a pressure‑reducing valve on Washington Street still in process.

Congressional/EPA project: Town staff reported a congressionally directed spending (CDS) award tied to an EPA project the town expects will be ready to post for contractor bids in late August, with a target of opening bids Oct. 1. Staff said a state match was anticipated and had been reconfirmed; the town may call a special meeting to authorize bid issuance if the EPA completes its review in time.

Meter upgrades and maintenance: Town staff are planning separate meter‑pit upgrades to accommodate new meter technology; because of technical reasons those upgrades were not bundled into the CDS/EPA bid package and will be funded from waterworks funds. The town reported $34,000 assigned from the general fund to address prioritized paving and related street work while contractors are on site.

Leakage and production figures: Waterworks staff presented combined June–July statistics. The plant filtered roughly 11.5 million gallons and billed about 6.4 million gallons over the two months; the “unaccounted for” water figure was reported at 35.6 percent for the period. Waterworks staff said meter replacement and distribution repairs have reduced leakage rates compared with earlier months; the presenter characterized that reduction as roughly 20 percent in the measured leak rate across the dataset analyzed, yielding an estimated savings of roughly 800,000–900,000 gallons per month compared with earlier figures.

Why it matters: Town staff said reducing leakage slows wear on the treatment plant, lowers chemical and operating costs, and reduces production needs. Council members asked for clearer schedules for contractor return and final surface restoration on streets disturbed by the distribution work.

Next steps and council direction: Staff said they will continue to press contractors for firm dates to finish restoration work and will coordinate meter replacements and paving with other bidders and Town Waterworks. If the EPA completes its review before the council’s next regular meeting staff indicated they would call a special meeting to authorize issuance of the CDS/EPA bid package. No vote to approve the CDS bid package took place at the Aug. 11 meeting; council did approve related budget and charter items elsewhere on the agenda.