American Water Plans $129M 2026 Upgrades, Begins $420K North Charleston Project
West Virginia American Water will spend $420,000 to replace 900 feet of aging pipe in North Charleston, part of a $129 million state infrastructure upgrade in 2026. Kentucky American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation contributed a combined $441,000 in 2025 to community grants and assistance programs.
1. North Charleston Pipe Upgrade
West Virginia American Water is investing $420,000 to replace 900 feet of aging pipe with 6-inch PVC main along 2nd Avenue between 29th and 32nd streets. Crews will work weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., aiming for completion by end of April and final street restoration in spring 2026.
2. Statewide Infrastructure Investment Plan
The North Charleston project is part of a broader $129 million infrastructure upgrade initiative in West Virginia for 2026, intended to support community economic health. Studies indicate each $1 million invested in water infrastructure generates roughly 10 local jobs, building on over $805 million invested statewide over the past decade.
3. Kentucky Community Contributions
In 2025, Kentucky American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation provided $441,000 in support to 33 organizations, including $152,000 in company grants and $282,000 from the foundation. Funds were allocated to fire and rescue ($9,100), sustainability programs ($64,225), customer assistance through H2O Help to Others ($74,264), and employee-raised matching gifts ($29,713).