Bath water losses down to 2%

Chief Water Operator Terry Largent recently reported to the Bath Town Council that water losses at the Water Works were down to 2% last quarter.

“Down from 64% when I started in 2007 to 2% last quarter,” Largent said.

Over the past several years, the town has contracted for and completed two major water line replacement projects.

In addition, the West Virginia Public Service Commission raised water rates and ordered the town to put aside $140,000 a year for local repair of water lines by Largent and his crew.

Largent said the 2% loss, if not the best, compares favorably with any water system in the state.

“That’s success. That is success for any water system,” Mayor Susan Webster said.

Asked if there was another big project ahead in the future, Largent said 10,000 to 12,000 feet of water line still needs to be replaced under Washington Street and up near War Memorial Hospital.

He said the water plant needs some upgrades along with upgrades to the communication system between the town’s water towers and the plant.

“The plant structurally needs a good bit of work,” Largent said.