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Tuesday, 06 May 2008 |
 Kelly Frey, Ottawa County Sanitary Engineer, said Monday afternoon, that the new water line from Christy Chapel Road West to Route 163 has been completed. Work from Christy Chapel Road East to Rock Ledge will be finished in the next couple of weeks. "It will all be done by Memorial Day," he said.
A letter went out to property owners explaining that they can now connect to the new water line and will have until November 1 to make the change. People on the East side will receive letters in the near future.
"We want to thank people who have had to drive on Sand Road for their patience," he said
Ottawa County has been busy replacing the waterlines in the Sand Road area in Portage and Catawba Island Townships from State Route 163 (East Harbor Road) to Rock Ledge. The majority of properties are served by a 73 year old six (6) inch diameter cast iron waterline which has severely reduced flow and pressure problems. This waterline was constructed in the 1930s as a WPA project. The mineral buildup along the walls of this pipe has significantly reduced the ability of the system to adequately supply water. In addition, the condition of the pipe has deteriorated to the point where special high maintenance valves are currently needed to reduce the water pressure and limit the risk of the waterline breaking.
A large portion of the waterline is located where access for maintenance purposes is many times very difficult. In some locations, homes and other structures were constructed over the waterline or very close to it. The soil in the area is predominately sand which magnifies the problems associated with maintenance. If this water main should unfortunately break under or near one of these buildings, the water could severely undermine the sand around foundation.
A recent fire, which resulted in the loss of a single family home, has increased the awareness of providing fire protection. The existing Sand Road waterline does not have the capacity or pressure to fight a fire. Replacing the existing six (6) inch diameter waterline with a new eight (8) inch diameter waterline located in Sand Road will provide excellent fire protection. The flow in the new waterline will increase to a volume and pressure sufficient to fight fires.
The new waterline will serve approximately 190 homes, 2 mobile home parks, several businesses and condominiums. The project will include the installation of approximately 12,000 lineal feet of 8" diameter waterline, 3,000 lineal feet of 3" diameter waterline, and 20 fire hydrants.
Drawbridge to Open
The Route 163 Portage River Bridge which crosses the Portage River in Port Clinton will be open on Friday.
The bridge has been closed since late March, according to Theresa Pollick, Public Information Officer for ODOT District II. Electrical work and resurfacing has forced traffic to take another route.
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