UPDATE RECEIVED — On Tuesday, Steubenville Council received an update from Jim Jenkins, the city’s water superintendent, on ongoing and upcoming projects to improve the city’s water treatment system. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — Steubenville Council received an update on current and future water projects designed to improve service to customers and address recurring outages.

Jenkins confirmed on Tuesday some customers experienced discoloration of their water because crews were testing a new connection between the downtown water plant and the city’s west end.

The connection is part of $16.4 million project that includes a new pump station at Tweed Avenue and a new 400,000 gallon water tank near County Road 26 and Lovers Lane.

Jenkins said in the past water for west end customers could be conveyed only from downtown to Lovers Lane, but with the additional connection, it may be transported via Lincoln Avenue, Coal Hill Road and Lovers Lane.

The move is seen as a remedy to water line breaks that have plagued that part of the city, especially during the winter.

But Jenkins said it’s likely the new connections have stirred up some debris in old lines, resulting in the discoloration.

He asked affected customers to report it by calling (740) 283-6041.

Jenkins added those who find clothes in their washer have been discolored should leave them wet and call the same number to receive a special detergent that will remove the stains.

He was asked about another project involving the addition of a fourth super-pulsator and a fifth filter and replacement of the control system for the filtration plant designed to improve water treatment for the entire city.

Jenkins said designs for the improvements are about 95 percent complete and will need to be approved by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency before the city can seek a low-interest loan from the same agency.

He said the city has tried to obtain grants for the estimated $22 million project but has been unsuccessful so far.

Following the selection of a contractor later this year, work could begin next spring or summer and may take up to two years to complete, said Jenkins.

He advised council crews have begun excavation for a new filling system that will enable the city to more easily provide bulk water to industrial customers, such as natural gas drillers, which would generate more revenue for the water plant.

Located near state Route 7 and the Ohio Department of Transportation’s salt barn, the site will include a prefabricated building slated to arrive in four to five weeks, said Jenkins.

He said designs are being done for an emergency link between water lines for the city and Wintersville, a project he said will benefit both municipalities.

Jenkins noted the OEPA has awarded $650,000 to revamp a pump station at Main Street, Wintersville, for the tie-in so “It will be at zero cost to either munciipality.”

“”Zero cost with great benefits,” said 1st Ward Councilman Dave Albaugh.

Jenkins told council, “We’re kind of buttoning up some loose ends for any emergency situations we face.”

He said the ultimate goal is to establish a plan for replacing aging lines, but he added it will take time.

Jenkins said the city has about 98 miles of water lines and he doesn’t expect all of them to be replaced in his lifetime.

Following the meeting, Jenkins confirmed there are plans to demolish the filtration plant along University Boulevard near Belleview Park.

Not in use since 2007, the plant was built around the beginning of the 20th century.

For that reason, there are plans to preserve its history with a display either at its site or the Historic Fort Steuben Visitors Center.

Jenkins said there also are plans to replicate architectural features of the building, such as its arched windows, and incorporate its existing sign into a new facility to be built there.

In other business, 3rd Ward Councilwoman Heather Hoover announced council’s pride committee will meet at 7 p.m. prior to council’s next regular meeting Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. to receive an update from Aspire Grant and Development of Pittsburgh, which has provided grant writing services to the city.

A representative of Strong Towns Steubenville also reminded council members they are invited to hear a talk by Charles Marohn, founder of the Strong Towns movement, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sycamore Center.

Representatives of other municipalities also have been invited to the event, which is open to the public.