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Providing clean water to residents is one of the basic functions of a local government. That function appears to have been broken in Paden City for most of the past decade, as residents there, on at least four separate occasions, have dealt with water contaminated with tetrachloroethylene (PCE) at levels unsafe for consumption. This has led the West Virginia Public Service Commission to open an investigation into the city's water system.
The most recent water contamination happened in August, when PCE levels six times the allowable limit were detected. Residents went about a month without water after an equipment malfunction at the treatment plant.
Elevated levels of PCE has been an issue in Paden City since at least 2010, when the chemical first was detected at unsafe levels in the water supply. The chemical also was detected at unsafe levels in 2017 and 2020.
The source of the chemical infiltration appears to be a former dry cleaning business.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently is considering the area as a groundwater superfund site, which would allow for federal assistance with remediation. Soil samples taken by EPA staff show high PCE concentrations just above the water table at the former dry cleaner's location.
"Ensuring that state residents have access to clean water is one of the essential duties of the (West Virginia) Public Service Commission, which is why we take these cases so seriously," PSC Chairman Charlotte Lane said. "This warrants our investigation to determine the facts."
The investigation needs to move quick, as it has become clear that, without a major remediation project, Paden City is unable to ensure the water supply will remain safe for its 1,161 customers.
That's wholly unacceptable -- and needs addressed immediately.