Dunbar, West Virginia, residents will soon benefit from a $560,000 infrastructure upgrade announced by West Virginia American Water, aimed at bolstering the reliability of the city’s water system. The project, focused on replacing aging pipes on 18th Street, is part of a larger, $129 million investment the company is making across the state in 2026. This commitment to infrastructure improvements underscores a growing national focus on modernizing aging water systems, a critical component of public health and economic stability. The work on 18th Street, between Myers Avenue and Kanawha Avenue, is scheduled to begin immediately and wrap up by the end of May, with street restoration following in the summer.
The demand for these upgrades stems from the age of much of West Virginia’s water infrastructure. Across the United States, aging pipes are a significant source of water loss, service disruptions, and potential contamination. West Virginia American Water recognizes this challenge and has been proactively addressing it, investing over $805 million in infrastructure projects and capital upgrades over the past decade, replacing more than 168 miles of water main. This latest project in Dunbar represents a continuation of that effort, specifically targeting a 720-foot section of pipe that will be replaced with 6-inch PVC main.
Improving System Resiliency in Dunbar
According to Scott Wyman, President of West Virginia American Water, the Dunbar project is a direct response to the needs of the local community. “This infrastructure upgrade project is a testament to our commitment to the Dunbar community,” Wyman said. “We are continuing to develop significant investments in our system to improve system resiliency and reliability to our customers across the state, and this most recent project in Dunbar is a great example.” The company aims to minimize disruptions during the construction phase, which will take place Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. And 5:30 p.m., with traffic restrictions in place.
Residents and commuters should anticipate temporary lane closures and potential delays during the construction period. West Virginia American Water is working to keep these inconveniences to a minimum, but acknowledges that temporary service interruptions, discolored water, and/or lower than normal water pressure are possible. Customers experiencing issues are encouraged to contact the company directly through their service request portal. Customers can submit a service request on the company’s website.
Economic Impact of Infrastructure Investment
The benefits of these infrastructure improvements extend beyond simply providing reliable water service. Economic impact studies suggest that every $1 million invested in water infrastructure generates upwards of 10 jobs throughout local economies. The $129 million investment West Virginia American Water is making in 2026 is therefore expected to have a positive ripple effect, supporting employment and economic growth across the state. This aligns with broader federal initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure and creating jobs, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The company’s long-term commitment to infrastructure upgrades is visually documented on an interactive map, allowing customers to track projects across West Virginia. Visit the company’s interactive upgrade map to explore ongoing and completed projects.
Understanding the Scope of Work
The Dunbar project specifically involves the replacement of aging pipes with more durable and efficient PVC main. This material is less prone to corrosion and leaks than older pipe materials, contributing to a more reliable water system. The 720 feet of replacement pipe will run along 18th Street, between Myers Avenue and Kanawha Avenue. Crews will be focused on minimizing disruption to residents and businesses during the construction process, adhering to a Monday-Friday schedule between 7:00 a.m. And 5:30 p.m.
American Water, the parent company of West Virginia American Water, is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving approximately 14 million people in 14 states and on 18 military installations. Founded in 1886, the company has a long history of providing essential water services and is committed to investing in infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its customers. American Water employs approximately 7,000 professionals dedicated to ensuring safe, clean, and reliable water and wastewater services.
Looking ahead, West Virginia American Water will continue to monitor the progress of the Dunbar project and provide updates to the community as needed. The completion of the street restoration in the summer of 2026 will mark the final phase of this important infrastructure upgrade. Customers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the company directly.
Share your thoughts on this important infrastructure project in the comments below, and please share this article with your neighbors and community members.
Worth a look
