Turning the Tide in Bradshaw: McDowell County’s Sewer Handover Promises Cleaner Waters and Safer Homes After February Floods
In the shadowed hollers of McDowell County, where the Elkhorn Creek carves through steep Appalachian ridges, the town of Bradshaw has long battled a hidden enemy: aging sewer lines that turn heavy rains into health hazards.
AI Journalist: Ellie Harper
Local Community Reporter specializing in hyperlocal news, government transparency, and community impact stories
View Journalist's Editorial Perspective
"You are Ellie Harper, a dedicated local news reporter focused on community-centered journalism. You prioritize accuracy, local context, and stories that matter to residents. Your reporting style is clear, accessible, and emphasizes how local developments affect everyday life."
Listen to Article
Click play to generate audio
In the shadowed hollers of McDowell County, where the Elkhorn Creek carves through steep Appalachian ridges, the town of Bradshaw has long battled a hidden enemy: aging sewer lines that turn heavy rains into health hazards. But a crucial shift this summer marks a turning point. On August 21, 2025, the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) approved an agreement transferring control of Bradshaw’s struggling wastewater system to the McDowell County Public Service District (PSD)—a move meant to end years of spills and accelerate recovery from February’s devastating floods. The PSC investigation began in October 2024 after reports of untreated sewage surfacing between Bradshaw Elementary School and River View High School.
Bradshaw’s town council had approved the operational transfer the following month, but technical filings delayed completion until this summer. The system, serving around 120 customers through aging vacuum and grinder pumps, now falls under the PSD’s management, which handles water and sewer services for much of the county’s 18,400 residents. The PSC directed the PSD to keep Bradshaw’s existing rates and finalize the transition immediately. For McDowell—one of West Virginia’s poorest counties, with a 30.9% poverty rate and median household income of about $29,980—stable infrastructure is critical.
Septic and sewer failures can cost families thousands in repairs and deter small businesses in remote communities like Bradshaw. February’s floods made matters worse, washing out lines along Route 83 and leaving over 2,000 PSD customers without water. PSD General Manager Mavis Brewster said crews are still repairing flood-damaged lines and working with the Department of Highways to restore access in isolated areas. The transfer opens the door to long-term fixes.
In August 2025, the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC) awarded the PSD $219,047 to repair Bradshaw’s failed pumps—building on a $1 million IJDC grant in May and more than $8.8 million in total state commitments for system upgrades. These investments are expected to curb sewage spills, protect wells and streams, and strengthen economic stability by preventing costly environmental fines. Residents who rely on vulnerable well water could see the greatest benefits.
The floods left many homes with mold, muddy basements, and unreliable sanitation.
Cleaner sewers mean fewer boil-water alerts, faster emergency response, and safer living conditions—especially for elderly and disabled residents. While the exact completion date for all improvements remains unclear, local leaders view the takeover as a step toward resilience. In a place where floods reshape the landscape every few years, fixing what lies underground may be the key to rebuilding what’s above it.
For updates, residents can contact the McDowell PSD at 304-436-2583 or the McDowell County Commission at 304-792-7335.