BUCKHANNON – The City of Buckhannon’s Water Department is currently working on a waterline upgrade project in town.

Water Department crews are currently installing a new 6-inch water line and fire hydrant along Central Avenue, to replace the aging 4-inch cast iron main still currently in service.

“At this time, no disruption to customer water service is anticipated during the installation of the new line,” Randy Sanders, Buckhannon’s city recorder and information coordinator, said in a press statement. “Once the new main is fully in place, Water Department crews will begin transferring individual customer services.

“A City representative will make every effort to contact each affected customer prior to their service transfer,” Sanders said.

As part of the waterline upgrade project, “intermittent street closures” on Central Avenue will take place throughout the summer months, Sanders said.

“While specific closure dates cannot be announced in advance, the Water Department will work to accommodate residents as much as possible,” he said.

The Water Department also asks that on‒street parking be limited in the project area to ensure crews have the space needed to work safely.

“We appreciate our residents’ patience and understanding as we complete this vital infrastructure improvement,” Sanders said.

The Buckhannon Water Department and the Harley A. Brown Memorial Water Plant provides water service to approximately 4,000 customers in Buckhannon and the surrounding area. The City water distribution system also provides water to three public service districts and one water association in Upshur County, serving more than 24,000 people combined.

The water plant maintains equipment with the technology to treat and monitor a maximum of 5.76 million gallons of water, with an average daily production of nearly 2 million gallons. The department also maintains 42 miles of water lines serving customers throughout the City and surrounding area.