KEARNEYSVILLE, W.Va., Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- West Virginia American Water is continuing upgrades to the local water system with construction of an 816,000-gallon water storage facility on Oak Lee Drive in Ranson. The new facility will work with other parts of the local water system to add flexibility and support reliable service for the community.

The new tank plays an important role in keeping the water system flexible and reliable. It gives operators another way to manage and move water across the system. If a water main leak or other issue occurs, crews can isolate the affected area. Other parts of the system can then help maintain service where possible.

The tank will also support daily operations, periods of higher demand, and water needs for firefighting and emergency response.

"Storage gives us more flexibility in how we operate the water system," said Scott Wyman, President of West Virginia American Water. "If there is an issue in one area, our team can isolate it and use other parts of the system to help keep water moving. That flexibility helps us continue to provide reliable service to the Ranson community."

Since becoming the water provider for five acquired local utility entities in Jefferson County, West Virginia American Water has continued to improve the local water system. The Oak Lee Drive project is another step in that work. It adds another layer of reliability and gives crews more options to manage water as conditions change.

The project also works alongside other features of the Jefferson County water system, including backup groundwater systems and 24/7 monitoring. Together, these tools help crews manage the system and respond to changing needs.

Construction is underway on Oak Lee Drive. Work is expected Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is planned to continue through the end of 2026, weather permitting.

Residents may see construction equipment and added traffic near the site. Signs will mark the work zone, and flaggers may help with material deliveries as needed. West Virginia American Water thanks the community for its patience and asks drivers to use caution near the work area.

About American Water  
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.  

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. 

About West Virginia American Water
West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 315 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 610,000 people.

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SOURCE American Water