Pratt , Kanawha County , West Virginia

West Virginia American Water said it will make significant improvements to Pratt’s water system that will connect the Eastern Kanawha County town’s troubled water system to the company’s existing Kanawha Valley system.

In a news release, the company said the agreement calls for West Virginia American to purchase certain water system assets for $437,000 and commit to investing $400,000 in capital improvements to enhance fire protection, replace meters and complete essential service tie-overs within Pratt’s distribution system.

The Kanawha County Commission will commit between $90,000 and $180,000 of coal severance funds toward the deal.

Once the $1.8 million pipeline is completed, the town will receive its water from West Virginia American’s Kanawha Valley water treatment plant along the Elk River in Charleston. This will allow Pratt’s current water treatment plant to be taken out of service. Pratt’s aging plant has fallen into disrepair following decades of limited maintenance and investment.

Pratt’s residents would become customers of West Virginia American and pay the company’s existing rates, which are lower than the town’s, the release said.

West Virginia American will have to construct a pipeline to connect Pratt customers to the company’s water system. Construction is expected to begin in early May and be completed by the end of 2013.

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Residents in Pratt would have fresh, clean water as part of a proposed $2 million project that involves West Virginia American Water taking over the town's water system.

Kanawha County Commissioner Kent Carper said Monday that the project should be completed in eight or nine months. He said the project will require a town vote for approval.

Under the project, West Virginia American Water would contribute $425,000, and Kanawha County will contribute $180,000, Carper said. The county also has agreed to buy a pump to so residents in the town will continue to receive a supply of water. The pump eventually will be turned over back to the county for use by emergency services.

If the project receives full approval, Pratt's water system, which has been plagued with problems, would be shut down for good.

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