Purcellville, VA – Following a significant water main break that led to a town-wide boil water advisory, Purcellville Town Council Members Kevin Wright, Caleb Stought, and Erin Rayner have issued a statement underscoring the urgent need for investment in the town’s aging water and sewer infrastructure.
The affected water main, installed in the early 1960s, had been identified as a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) priority since 2018 but had been postponed due to other budget priorities and limited funding.
Joint Statement
Council Members Rayner, Stought, and Wright released a joint statement in response to the recent water main break:
“In light of the recent water main break involving a section of pipe installed in the early 1960s, Council members Rayner, Stought, and Wright are urging the community to recognize the urgent need for comprehensive upgrades to our aging utility system. This particular water main was identified as a necessary Capital Improvement Project (CIP) back in 2018, yet its replacement has been postponed multiple times due to higher priority projects and funding constraints.
While discussions among the Council and citizens may focus on how the situation has developed, it is crucial to shift the narrative towards proactive solutions. The recent disruption in water service serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our utility infrastructure. This incident is not an isolated issue; it highlights a broader concern regarding multiple components of the system that are in dire need of attention and replacement. Today, it’s this pipe that failed. What will it be next week, next month, or next year?
To ensure a safe and reliable utility system, we must confront the reality of our situation and make difficult decisions. The ability to make these hard choices is what distinguishes true leadership from empty promises. For too long, we have deferred necessary upgrades in an effort to keep water rates artificially low. This recent disruption should be viewed as a wake-up call for our community.
The town is at a critical juncture where investment in infrastructure is not just necessary but imperative. To maintain a reliable water supply and safeguard public health, residents and leaders alike must come together to prioritize funding for essential maintenance and replacement of aging components.
The Council has a responsibility to our citizens to ensure that our utility system is not only functional but also resilient against future challenges. It is time to take decisive action to secure the future of our water supply.“