City of Pomeroy Addresses Water and Sewer Challenges, Plans for Future Needs

The City of Pomeroy has been working for several years to better understand and improve its water and sewer infrastructure. Recent discoveries have highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that remain. My attempt is to help the public understand, at least to some extent, what this complicated topic involves.

Recent Water Valve History

Two summers ago, the city hired two local college students to locatecurb shut-off valves throughout town. These valves, which allow water to be shut off to individual properties, normally are located at ground level between a residence and the water main buried beneath the street. Using metal detectors and newly purchased software designed specifically for water infrastructure, the students were able to locate and log approximately 60 percent of the city’s shut-off valves.

However, many valves could not be found or are no longer functional. In some cases, shut-off valves are buried too deeply for detection. This is due to construction or landscaping that failed to realize the importance of a shut-off valve location. Others were covered by cement driveways or had missing caps that left no metal to detect by the metal detector. Some curb shut-offs valves that were found without a cap were filled with debris that made them inoperable. Because of the age of our water and sewer infrastructure, some valves are believed to be in alleys rather than in front of homes, further complicating the ability to find and access them. Locating and repairing these shut-off valves is labor-intensive but critical for efficient water service and emergency response.

Recent Pipe History

To fully understand the infrastructure system, one must realize that there are two of them: a storm sewer system and a sanitary sewer system. The storm sewer system handles rainwater and other sources of clean water. The inlets seen along streets allow gravitational flow of water from roads, parking lots, sidewalks and roofs and are connected to pipes underground which carry the fresh water into rivers or streams. Sometimes these drains cannot manage the quantity of rain that falls in a heavy rainstorm and can cause basement and street flooding. Sanitary sewer systems deliver wastewater from homes and businesses to wastewater treatment plants. Our lagoons are part of the sanitary sewer system. Most homeowners are not aware that they are responsible for the sanitary sewer service line from their home or business to the main sewer pipe. 

Additional infrastructure issues came to light last year during the demolition of several buildings on Main Street. Before demolition could begin, water service had to be disconnected, which led to the discovery of underground lead water lines. Under current government regulations, any lead lines that are found must be replaced. Lead line connections were also found when the demolition of the school building took place. They were removed and not replaced because the school was being demolished anyway. City officials anticipate that more lead lines or lead connections willbe discovered in the future, requiring further replacement work.

The city has also been dealing with long-standing sewer system concerns. In 2019, the city council commissioned ISG Engineering Consultants to conduct an Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) smoke study. I & I refers to clean water that enters the sanitary sewer system when it should not. Inflow occurs when rainwater enters through illegal connections such as roof downspouts or sump pumps which are tied into sewer lines. Infiltration happens when groundwater seeps into the sewer system through cracked pipes, faulty joints, or damaged manholes. During heavy rains, this excess water can cause sewer backups into basements, overload the wastewater treatment system, and increase water levels in the lagoon before treatment is complete. When untreated or partially treated water overflows, it can contaminate streams and rivers. I & I also raises operational costs by increasing chemical use, manpower needs, and the risk of Department of Natural Resources violations. If left uncorrected, the city could ultimately be required to construct an additional lagoon.

Historical Consequences

These issues have had financial consequences for the city’s enterprise funds, which support water, sewer, and related services. Expenses have increased due to lead line replacement along Main Street, payment for the Inflow and Infiltration study, higher water treatment costs, additional manpower for maintenance and repairs, and the need to replace damaged or nonfunctioning fire hydrants. Looking ahead, the city must spend time finding the shut-off valves that are unknown, so that in an emergency, water to a residence or work area can be shut off. The city has found several Inflow and Infiltration trouble areas and have made the necessary corrections in that area of the town. However, there is a lot more to be done, and the process is very costly. Luckily the city’s water tower is in good shape. The interior of the city’s water tower should be painted by 2028, and the exterior before 2030. Water towers are typically repainted every ten years, with the last exterior painting occurring in 2018.

City Council Budget Decision 

To address these growing costs, the city council has had this topic on the agenda for the past six months discussing budgetary options. In the two recent budget meetings, each lasting approximately four hours, enterprise revenue and expenses were discussed, and the need for more revenue to cover rising expenses became evident. As a result of these discussions ,which included the topics I just covered, the council has decided to increase water and sewer rates. Garbage pickup rates and landfill prices will also be raised, since they have not increased in more than ten years. We have removed significant numbers of ash trees in the past three years and have burned them in our landfill. Rising costs associated with equipment use, fuel, employee time, and ongoing ash tree removal—both on public and private property—were factors in the decision. In addition, city capital improvement costs will be adjusted to help fund future infrastructure needs.  City officials emphasize that no one wants to raise the cost of necessities, but these changes are necessary to be able to maintain services and comply with state and federal regulations.

What You Can Do

Residents can help reduce costs by conserving water whenever possible. Simple steps include using only the water you need for drinking and cooking and don’t dump excess water in your glass down the drain. Avoid running water from faucets unnecessarilydown the drain. If at all possible, scrape dishes instead of pre-rinsing. Run your dishwasher only when full. Shorten shower timeeven though the water feels so good! Fixing dripping faucets or running toilets can make a significant difference. A dripping faucet can waste up to 250 gallons of water per month, and a running toilet can use 200 to 600 gallons per day or 6,000 gallons of water a month at a minimum! Water wasted in any way increases sewer treatment costs and directly impacts utility bills.

What You Should Know

The city clerk reads water meters once a month and contacts homeowners if excessive usage is detected. In cases of significant water loss, which usually occurs when a pipe breaks or a toilet is running or a faucet is dripping, a payment plan must be arranged with the city clerk and mayor. City maintenance staff are available to help troubleshoot issues, but property owners are generally responsible for necessary repairs. As I said earlier, the water / sewer / garbage bill will increase within several months. City officials encourage residents to stay informed, conserve water, and work together to protect Pomeroy’s water and sewer systems for future generations.

Cindy /  Cynthia M. Loots, Mayor of Pomeroy