ASHLEY — Earlier this year, the village announced an increase in the cost of utilities.
“In accordance with (village) ordinances … increases for water, sewer and trash services will be effective with January services billed at the end of January 2023,” stated the February newsletter for the village.
“Trash services will increase from $19.10 to $19.67 per month per the contract agreement with Waste Away,” the village said. “The contract with Waste Away is a three-year contract that will expire on December 31st, 2023. We will look into this service or another service at that time.”
Water and sewer rates typically are raised 3% annually based on usage.
“Several fire hydrants throughout the Village are marked as being out of order,” the village said. “The hydrants still work but need replaced. The Village has purchased four hydrants so far this year. The fire hydrants cost $3,757.50 each. We will continue to update the out of order hydrants until they are all replaced.”
The Village of Ashley Water Department said it performs daily chlorine tests, as well as a monthly routine microbiological analysis test. The Water Department is governed by the Board of Public Affairs.
Each year, the department issues a “Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report.” The 2022 report said of its source water, “The Village of Ashley receives its drinking water from the Del-Co Water Company, Delaware, Ohio. The main sources of Del-Co Water are the Alum Creek Reservoir, Olentangy River, and the Knox County Well field. The Alum Creek Reservoir and Olentangy River are surface water supplies. The Knox County well field is a well water supply in northwestern Knox County. The Village of Ashley water supply meets all State and Federal EPA and Health Department rules and regulations.”
The surface water is supplied to three of Del-Co’s four water treatment plants: Timothy F. McNamara Plant on Old State, the Olentangy Plant, and the Ralph E. Scott Plant at Alum Creek. The groundwater in Knox County is treated by the Thomas E. Steward Plant, the report said.
“Historically, the Del-Co public water system has effectively treated its source waters to meet drinking water quality standards,” the report said. “By implementing measures to protect the Olentangy River, Alum Creek Reservoir, and the local aquifer, the potential for water quality impacts can be further decreased.”
Ashley’s Water Department conducted sampling “for bacteria, inorganic, radiological, synthetic organic and volatile organic contaminants during 2022,” the report said. Of the 13 tests, no violations were found.
The Water Department is in the Village Office at 3 N. Harrison St., Ashley. Office hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call 740-747-2889 or visit villageofashley.org.
Assistant Editor Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County and surrounding areas. He may be reached at [email protected].
