As water pipes move through more and more areas of Lawrence County, government leaders continue to push for additional service.

Thursday, October 25, 2001

As water pipes move through more and more areas of Lawrence County, government leaders continue to push for additional service.

"We’re working on several water projects now, and we still have a plan to get together with all the water companies," said James Ward of the Lawrence County EMA, who was appointed by commissioners to summarize county needs.

The trend is fast becoming one of reaching out to areas that are typically harder to serve – rural, sparsely populated, hard to reach or farthest away from wells or treatment plants, Ward said.

Along U.S. 93, Hecla Water Association is working to finish a million-dollar expansion program to hundreds of homes, many on smaller roads off the federal highway.

In Scioto County, Portsmouth officials appropriated $188,420 for construction of a water tower in Franklin Furnace to meet the growing needs of residents, the Pepsi plant, the youth center and others.

And, Lawrence Water and Gallia Water has joined forces with Lawrence County’s commissioners to service parts of the Lecta area.

Experts agree, however, more dialogue is needed to break down the drinking water barriers.

Commissioners have said the county will continue to work with the CAO for grant assistance, which will make needed expansions in northwest Lawrence easier.

The county plans to apply for another million-dollar waterline project in 2002 – like the one currently being constructed along Ohio 93.

Also, a discussion meeting with area water companies is still in the planning stages, with invitations expected for Scioto Water, Lawrence, Hecla, Ohio American and others, Ward said.

The county has said discussions will center on expansion, as well as a need to link lines together in order to protect water supplies.

Such looping of water systems in case of an emergency makes sense, especially from an economic development standpoint, said Pat Clonch, director of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation.

The idea has been discussed for many years, Mrs. Clonch said.

"It’s not as though it’s a competitive action; it’s a cooperative action," she said.

And, the western portion of Lawrence County, like the area slated for two power plant developments, needs more drinking water capacity for future industrial consumers, which has been discussed with the City of Ironton, Mrs. Clonch added.

There needs to be continued discussion about that idea between city and county leaders, she said.