Aqua Ohio embarks on a significant pipe replacement initiative to bolster water reliability on the southeast side of the city. Covering approximately a mile, the project spans a 5,450-foot section of Lincoln Way E, extending from roughly 20th Street SE to Elizabeth Avenue SE in Perry Township.

Commencing on February 5th, the $2.3 million endeavor began with preliminary tasks such as trench excavation and the installation of new hydrants and infrastructure, as highlighted by Jeff LaRue, Aqua Ohio's spokesperson. LaRue noted that significant groundwork is underway this year, with the imminent commencement of new pipe installation.

The new pipes, constructed of ductile iron, offer superior strength and corrosion resistance compared to the original cast-iron material, according to Keith Nutter, Aqua Ohio's area manager in Massillon. Nutter emphasized the project's goal of replacing over a mile of water main nearly a century old, underscoring the company's commitment to delivering clean, safe, and reliable water to its customers while enhancing firefighting capabilities.

A total of 39 Massillon customers are slated to receive new service connections between the water main and their privately owned service lines. While some short-term service interruptions are expected for affected customers towards the project's conclusion, notifications will be issued 24 hours in advance of planned disruptions.

To minimize disruptions, work will be conducted between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on workdays, with overnight or early morning work scheduled for high-volume intersections. Bachtel Excavating, based in Massillon, has been contracted for the project, which is scheduled for completion in July, with lawn restoration efforts extending into early fall.

Aqua Ohio's commitment to infrastructure investment extends beyond this project, with plans to allocate over $65 million across its 40 Ohio systems this year, including approximately $9.1 million earmarked for Stark County. Serving approximately 500,000 residents across 19 Ohio counties, Aqua Ohio remains dedicated to ensuring the reliability and quality of water services for its customers.