Bath council authorizes filing for temporary water-connection moratorium as system nears processing capacity

Bath Town Council voted on Aug. 18 to authorize the town attorney to file a temporary water-service-connection moratorium application with the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC), citing processing and treatment limits at the town water plant.

Council members said the town has adequate raw-water supply but is at or close to the limit of what its treatment and distribution infrastructure can process. “Weare maxed out,” Mary Lynn Hickey said, summarizing the town's operational math and the need to ask PSC staff to review capacity and set any required benchmarks. Council discussion emphasized that the moratorium request is a procedural step to have the PSC assess and, if needed, order corrective benchmarks rather than an assertion of a raw-water shortage.

Officials noted several large prospective water customers and projects that are already in line for service, including a 200‑unit townhouse proposal and multiple commercial sites. The council debated timing and implications, with members warning that PSC orders can impose construction or operational deadlines. The motion to authorize filing was offered, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The town said the filing will be made by the town attorney by close of business Friday; once the PSC opens a case the docket number will be publicly available for residents and developers to review. Council members reiterated that the town's priority is ensuring reliable service for existing customers while pursuing grant funding to limit rate impacts.