MARTINS FERRY, Ohio — A water line break early Sunday morning in Martins Ferry disrupted water service for many residents, leading to a temporary shutdown of the water plant.
The system was re-energized around noon, restoring water, but the city is still grappling with the aftermath.
“We have to identify our water loss. We’re still losing a good bit of water. We’ve identified one point. We’re going to try and rectify it today. We’re going to start with the planning process,” Mayor John Davies said.
The city is developing a flow chart to map out lines and valves, many of which date back to 1939, resulting in costly repairs.
“We have a lot of lines that are a hundred years old. They need replaced but it’s millions and millions of dollars to do such a thing,” Davies said. “Our infrastructure is an ugly monster on its own. Nobody really knows what we have. So every time there’s a break, we’re running around trying to hit valves, trying to isolate the system. Till we start losing the tanks, then we have to shut the system down.”
Despite the hefty price tag, efforts are underway to install new lines.
“Long term, we actually have already been funded to put a new line up 4th Street from the water plant. 4th and 5th Street, which will help if we have another break where the city starts losing all its tanks, we can supply about 70% of residents with water and the downtown businesses,” Davies said.
While Martins Ferry City Schools were not affected, residents remain under a boil order until 3 p.m. Tuesday, unless otherwise notified.