​Mechanicsburg was recently awarded $17,000 in the second round of grant funding by Ohio EPA’s new H2Ohio Rivers Chloride Reduction Grant Program. This funding will be used to build a new salt storage facility. The structure was just installed 1/30/25. We are waiting for the weather to break to finish up the final details.
 
This is part of the $2.7 million in grants for 52 Ohio communities announced on August 1, 2024, by Governor Mike DeWine to upgrade equipment and salt storage facilities. The H2Ohio Rivers Program is an expansion of Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative. Part of the program is to reduce excessive road salt usage and encourage communities and jurisdictions responsible for winter road and surface maintenance to adopt salt best management practices. Applicants for these grants were able to apply for funding for either new salt equipment or storage facility construction to help alleviate costs to local governments across Ohio.

In May 2024, Ohio EPA announced 31 communities received $1.6 million in funding during the first round, which had over 260 applicants.

Recent water quality testing has shown that Ohio’s waterways are seeing an increase in salt concentrations, primarily due to the use of road salt. Salt can also cause nutrients and metals to detach from sediment, decreasing water quality. There are many drinking water facilities across the state that utilize river water for their source of drinking water. Water that is contaminated with road salt requires additional treatment. Additionally, road salt can cause issues with corrosion in pipes, valves, and other drinking water equipment.  Road salt also corrodes infrastructure like bridges and shortens the life of paved surfaces.
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Ohio EPA is excited about Mechanicsburg commitment to reducing salt in their community and protecting Ohio’s waterways. 

​The village is requesting help from residents to complete this mandatory survey from the EPA. All the residents will be receiving this letter/and survey. The village is requesting the surveys back by August 15, 2024.

Dear residents,
 
Service switch overs will continue next week for the residents on Willow St/Darby View Mobile Home Park. This will include a boil advisory. Thanks again for your cooperation.  ​

​Dear Residents Affected by the Waterline Project,
(Only the property owners that are part on the waterline construction project will be receiving this letter.)
Thank you for your cooperation in our ongoing water improvement project. In the coming weeks contractors will be testing and connecting new water service lines to your home’s existing water service lines and installing a meter pit in the easement. After this connection is made the contractors will flush out the line using your home’s exterior hose bib if it is accessible. There are instructions included with this letter with additional instructions to flush your home’s interior water lines, as well. During this change the Village’s Water Department will need access into your home to remove the existing meter. This work will be done during the department’s normal business hours. If you are unable to be present during these hours please call the Municipal office and speak to the Utility clerk to make other arrangements. Municipal Office 937-834-3187 Ext 1.

There is a possibility that your old service deficiencies allowed for escape of pressure and that the improvements will result in your internal plumbing being a closed system. If your hot water tank does not have proper pressure relief valves or an expansion tank it could result in increased pressure in your internal plumbing resulting in damage to your water heater or other plumbing in your house.

 The Village would recommend that you review your internal plumbing and if needed install at a minimum an expansion tank or internal pressure reducing valve. This is also an excellent time to ensure your interior main water shutoff valve is functioning properly. It is recommended that you consult with your local plumber or the Champaign County Health Department for code requirements as needed.
 
Thank you for your cooperation,
Village of Mechanicsburg - Water Department
 
Flush your household plumbing after construction or plumbing work
Construction and plumbing activities can release particles from service lines and plumbing fixtures. Flushing the plumbing brings fresh, cold water from the new main in the street into the pipes in your property. Flushing your pipes for 10 minutes will cost 25 cents on the water portion of your Municipal Services Bill.
Active construction includes: • Plumbing work • Replacement of the service line • Water main replacement • Department of Public Works street and sewer reconstruction
When the entire project is complete, flush your household plumbing again.
Here’s how:
1. Remove aerators, or the screens, from the end of every faucet and rinse any particles from them.
2. Start in the basement or lowest level and work your way to the top floor. Fully open each cold water tap and allow the water to run.
3. Your water should be clear after 10 minutes. Start at the top floor and turn off the water at each faucet, finishing in the basement.
4. Re-attach aerators to the faucets. If the water is discolored, continue flushing until clear. If it is still discolored after 30 minutes, please call 937-834-3187 Ext 1.

The Village of Mechanicsburg has contracted with J & J Schlaegel for a $2.2 million dollar water main replacement project.  This project is being paid for with grants, loans, and local matching dollars from both the Village and Goshen Township.  Ohio Public Works and Ohio Water Development Association are the state entities providing low or no interest loans and grants to the Village.

This project includes water mains on the following streets: East and West Sandusky, Walnut St, W Race St, N Main St, and a portion of N Pleasant St.  The water mains will be placed under the sidewalks rather than the streets which makes for cheaper repairs, less disruption to traffic and significant savings.  Water meters, fire hydrants, and water valve replacements are included in this project.

This project will probably go until winter and pick back up again in the spring.  Supply chains have put us a little behind and not sure how or what will take place at different times through the project.  It may impact Trick or Treat, bus routes, trash pick-ups, etc. but the Village will work through these issues as they arise.
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We ask for your cooperation and patience while we make these EPA mandatory improvements to our water system.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact us through our website mechanicsburgvillage.com and check the website for all updates on the project.  

The Village will be flushing fire hydrants week of March 14-18, 9am-3pm.  Flushing is done to remove sediment from the pipes in order to maintain water clarity and quality in the distribution pipes. Your water is safe to drink. Occasionally, water becomes discolored after hydrant flushing. If this happens, run your cold water tap for a few minutes until the water clears. If it doesn't clear the first time, wait a few minutes and run the water again. You should avoid washing clothes until the water clears.

On Tuesday, December 7, Mechanicsburg was notified that we were awarded $955,520 of the Ohio Builds Water Infrastructure Grant. This grant will help the Village with the replacement of aging water lines. The Village is seeking more financial assistance through OPWC program to implement Phase ll of water line replacement program. Phase l Water Line replacement was completed in 2018. Phase ll of the water line replacement program would replace water mains, service connections, fire hydrants and water meters on Walnut, North Main, West Race, and Sandusky Streets. This will serve approximately 140 residences directly and the remainder of the Village providing better water flow through the system. We are grateful to have received the grant and thank the State for their investment in our community. 

The Village will be flushing fire hydrants week of October 11-15.  Flushing is done to remove sediment from the pipes in order to maintain water clarity and quality in the distribution pipes. Your water is safe to drink. Occasionally, water becomes discolored after hydrant flushing. If this happens, run your cold water tap for a few minutes until the water clears. If it doesn't clear the first time, wait a few minutes and run the water again. You should avoid washing clothes until the water clears.