Resident asks for written water‑service decisions as council reviews meter work and grants

A Harpers Ferry resident asked the town March 9 to provide a written determination about whether water service is available for a Stevenson Street property she is developing, saying staff have provided only verbal denials since Feb. 10 and she needs a formal written availability letter or denial.

“My name is Audrey Cook, and I’ve worked and lived in the Harpers Ferry community for the last 22 years,” Audrey Cook said during public comment. She told the council she had requested a written letter of water availability or a written denial from the town’s public works administrator and that, to date, she had received only verbal explanations citing system pressure, capacity and service‑line size.

Council then heard a waterworks report (presented by a speaker introduced as Steve) describing system repairs and meter upgrades. Steve said February production was about 5.5 million gallons and described a simple method to estimate leak rates by measuring tank drops between midnight and 5 a.m. Based on recent sampling, he said the town’s estimated leak rate has fallen from around 6,200 gallons per hour a year ago to roughly 4,000 gallons per hour in recent days — a roughly 33% reduction following repair work.

“We were losing about 4,000 gallons an hour,” Steve said, adding that the town is preparing sites for new meters and beginning meter installations, and that staff are taking inventory of meter pits and service conditions.

Council approved Resolution No. 17, authorizing payment of invoices related to the water project funded by the West Virginia Water Development Authority and other sources; the resolution passed 7‑0. Council also discussed the Gilbert Street contract (sent to contractor Greenridge) and noted roughly 10 meters remain to be replaced under the current work.

Council members did not resolve Audrey Cook’s request for a formal written availability letter during the public meeting; she asked the town to provide a written availability determination or a denial with adequate explanation. The town staff/administration is the appropriate party to produce such written determinations and the council discussion directed staff to continue work on meters, leak repairs and grant administration.