Water Leak Could Prove Costly

Monday, February 25, 2013 - 5:24 AM

An underground water leak is causing water to pour into the basement of Findlay's water treatment plant, and fixing it could be expensive.  That could mean higher water and sewer rates, but nothing has been decided yet.  Service-Safety Director Paul Schmelzer tells the Courier he will see if water increases are warranted, but isn't saying for sure if they'll move.  Schmelzer has the authority to raise water rates, but city council has to adjust sewer rates.

Water plant Supervisor Jeff Newcomer says the leak into the basement may be coming from a 24-inch-diameter main transmission line, and from groundwater leaking into the water plant.  The pipe is roughly 25-to-30 feet under ground, and would require a massive excavation project to fix.

MORE: The Courier