Wastewater
The Elkins Wastewater System collects and treats sewage and used water from homes and businesses — protecting public health and the Tygart Valley River.
Wastewater refers to sewage from toilets, water from drains, and other sources. All wastewater must be collected and treated before being returned to the environment. The Elkins Wastewater System manages this for customers inside city limits and some outlying areas.
To report a sewage backup or overflow that may be caused by a problem on a city wastewater line or other wastewater system component requiring urgent attention, please call:
- Daytime (6:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday): Call the Wastewater Collection Department at (304) 636-2058.
- To request after-hours non-emergency assistance via the 911 center, call 304-636-2000.
- For emergencies: Call 911.
System Components
The Elkins Wastewater System consists of two main parts, the Wastewater Collection System and the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The Wastewater Collection System is the network of pipes and related components that collect wastewater from homes, businesses, and other buildings. Installation and repair of this infrastructure is the responsibility of the Wastewater Collection Department.
Learn More about the Wastewater Collection Department
The Wastewater Treatment Plant receives this wastewater and cleans it before discharging it into the Tygart Valley River. The plant also operates a state-regulated laboratory to monitor the effectiveness of its treatment processes, in addition to providing this service to other area wastewater utilities.
Learn More about the Wastewater Treatment Plant
During heavy rain or snowmelt, the system can become overloaded, causing a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO), where excess water is discharged into receiving streams. The Wastewater Department and Sanitary Board are required to provide information and reports on the Elkins CSO system.
System Supervision & Administration
Day-to-day operations of the entire Elkins Wastewater System (i.e., both collection and treatment) are overseen by the chief operator/superintendent, who is based at the treatment plant.
The governing body responsible for administration of the Elkins Wastewater System is the Elkins Sanitary Board. Although the Elkins council owns the system and is responsible for setting rates, the Sanitary Board is responsible for all other aspects of the system, including personnel, finances, planning, project management, etc.
For More Information
Wastewater System Chief Operator (Class IV)
Whitney Hymes
5 Riverbend Park Road
Elkins, WV 26241
304-636-1122 (office)
whymes@cityofelkinswv.gov
Assistant Wastewater System Chief Operator – Class III
Thomas Howell
5 Riverbend Park Road
Elkins, WV 26241
304-636-1122 (office)
thowell@cityofelkinswv.gov
Wastewater Collection Department Supervisor
Mark Hartley
31 Jones Drive,
Elkins, WV 26241
304-636-2058 (office)
mhartley@cityofelkinswv.gov
