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History of Farmington And My Cup Overflows West Farmington is marking the 20th anniversary of its public water system, only rural community in Trumbull County to have its own water distribution program. After Farmingtonies first began discussions of a village water plan and before the endeavor was completed they endured 'trials and tribulations'. including property disputes, labor trouble, business snarls with public agencies, inclement weather, threats and bomb blasts. It was 20 years ago that the West Farmington water project was finished, inspected and long-awaited water was pumped through the system. Initial discussions were held pertaining to the possibility of 'city water' some 40 years ago following depression years and World War II. Township residents were troubled by the gradually falling water table causing low levels in drilled wells. Opposition arose among those who deemed the drilled wells and cisterns they had adequate, and feared a tax hike, from those content with the sleepy village atmosphere who dreaded the intrusion of industry and outside commercial interests, and the fortunate few whose water supply was ample. Many conditions had to be met in order to qualify for a federal grant and loan for the construction of a water distribution system, treatment plant and elevated tank within the village. A committee of enthusiastic townsmen, council members and representatives of Trumbull County Regional Planning Committee met as early as September 1961. Heading the first planning commission were John Gervenack, John Anthony and Harry Chapel. A slate of improvements was prepared to establish a comprehensive community plan to comply with federal requirements of the Housing and Home Finance Agency in Chicago. Cost of the project was originally estimated at $296,000 with the town's share set at $153,000. A special election was held in 1964 to vote on issuing bonds to help pay the village's share. By 1969 a proposed Grand River Reservoir was being considered, primarily to supply water for Youngstown, Akron and Ashtabula industry. The industrial outlook in Trumbull and Mahoning Counties became quite bleak and the likelihood of obtaining water from the reservoir dwindled. The funds long sought by the village for a water distribution venture were finally approved by the Farmers Home Administration of the U.S. Agriculture Dept. and by this time the loan approved amounted to $294,000 and a grant for construction of $279,000. The federal loan was for 40 years with an interest rate of five percent and repayment of the loan and cost of operation of the system were to be covered by water fees of customers. A minimum charge established for all water users was designed to pay for the entire system without assessing property owners a portion of the total cost. It took three years of active and arduous toil to complete preliminary steps acceptable to federal agencies, county and regional planning commissions and adhering to village capabilities. Spearheading the effort were James Richards, Mayor; Armin Bailey, Village Clerk; and Joy Ryan, Village Council President. Ryan was the first woman to serve on the local council. Ten acres were obtained from the site of the treatment plant from the Ralph Stoneman Farm and the Ralph Willrich property with access from State Route 88 opposite First Street. The access roadway became Water Street. Water is piped from Grand River into a reservoir, then treated at the village plant. An elevated tank was erected on what is supposedly the highest point in town on R.C. Sloan property, and the roadway completed to the water tower is a continuation of Grove Street. Construction was begun early in 1976 with a target date of completion, Jan. 1, 1977. Project contractors were Warren Engineering, Caldwell Tanks Inc. of Louisville, KY, Jerry Pugh Pipeline Construction Co. of Sandusky, and Kent Meter Sales Inc. of Ocala, FL. Pugh was already laying the water lines when an attempt was made to slow or halt the progress of the project. On Feb. 25 an explosion damaged some of the digging equipment and shattered windows in the mobile office unit of the contractor. A pipe bomb did some damage to pipe sections stacked next to the village hall, supposedly placed by disgruntled competitors. Time was lost until the FBI Division of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire Arms and explosives completed its investigation. Pipelines to approximately 170 customers in the village were extended outside the village to 40 township residences close enough to be feasible and the first billing was set for Jan. 1, 1977. First meter turned on was Dec. 24, 1976, in the Carl Bland house on Fourth Street. Ed Nee was the first full time operator. By the time lines were laid, the treatment plant, reservoir and tower completed, the entire cost had nearly tripled from original estimates. Federal funds, still on the 40-year loan will be repaid in year 2016. The water system grows as the community grows and it now is serving approximately 1000 and has fire hydrants accessible on every street within the village. It hasn't been an easy row to hoe and customer rates have risen with the increase of electrical rates, cost of treatment chemicals, along with more expensive tests mandated by Environmental Protection Agency. Both village and township officials have had to keep a constant vigil to prohibit the EPA from granting construction permits for waste treatment plants on Grand River, source of the village's water. Presently the water department employees one full-time operator, a technical supervisor, and a clerk. Facilities can easily accommodate twice or triple the present 275 subscribers with the addition of several more operators. The reward to the community is the result of a great deal of work by a limited number of dedicated townsmen.
Prepared by: The Bristol
Public Library Bristolville, Ohio 05/07/07
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