Richmond water may get new source

RICHMOND --Village leaders are seriously considering transferring the water system over to the Jefferson County Water and Sewer District because needed repairs to the water tank would increase rates higher than what the county charges.

A public meeting has been scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday at the Glenn Mills Community Center concerning the idea.

Mayor Harry Thomas said the water system, including the tank, was installed in the 1950s. The water tank needs structural repairs, including cleaning and painting. The estimated cost is about $500,000.

Thomas said the village would have to take out a long-term loan to pay for the repairs. He said the rest of the nearly 70-year-old system will need work, since the life expectancy of the piping is about 50 to 60 years.

"We are on borrowed time," he said.

A village resident using 4,000 gallons of water a month pays $35. Factoring in the cost of the loan to fix the tank, the cost will increase to about $44 a month. A county water customer using 4,000 gallons of water a month pays $41.29.

Thomas said if piping needs replaced, it would force the village to increase monthly rates even more.

"We are trying to do the best for the customers. If we take out a loan now, then have problems with the aging system, we will then have to take out another loan," he said.

The village has had several meetings with county officials about the transferring of the system.

"We haven't made up our mind, but, if we stay by ourselves, we will have to take out a loan this year. It looks like the way we have to go in order to protect the customers," he said.

Compounding the issue is faulty septic systems in the village. Complaints were received by the county health department about faulty septic systems, and it was turned over to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Thomas said the Ohio EPA wants to see the village make improvements, which may lean to the installation of a sewer system.

"We would be better off with a centralized sewer system. We believe eventually it will lead that way. The EPA wants us to move forward," the mayor said.

He said the village would benefit by having the county install the sewer system.

Tom Hartwig of Arcadis, who has been doing engineering work for the village, said the Ohio EPA has no issues with the quality of the water the village produces from two wells. The village chlorinates the water, but has no water treatment plant. The county water system also provides some water the village each month.

Hartwig also is the engineer for the county water and sewer district.

"The village feels it may be time to pursue turning over the water assets to the county. It is becoming time when it is unaffordable to continue in the water business," he said.

He said the village couldn't afford on its own to construct a sewerage system.

The county has 7,600 water customers. The cost of improvements to the Richmond water system and installation of a sewer system would be spread over the entire district.

County Commissioner David Maple said the county wants to be a resource for the village, adding the cost of the improvements would be difficult for Richmond customers considering the size of the community and its aging infrastructure.

Maple said the village is doing the right thing in reaching out to the county for help.

He said the Ohio EPA is closely watching the issue, especially with the septic tank complaints, and encouraging the village to move forward.

"It isn't something to put on the back-burner," he said.