A public utility is a department of government that provides public utilities to citizens. It might be potable water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, electrical services, or operating a sanitary landfill for area users. It could be one of the above or a combination.
Developed areas tend to have a higher need for public utilities. For example, the more consolidated or clustered a development, the higher the demand for sanitary or storm sewers. The need for drinking water or fire suppression may arise. Good water quality and sufficient flow for fighting fires are necessary where there is commercial enterprise and growth.
In Wood County, most incorporated communities and township areas, particularly in northern Wood County, have the option to connect to a public water provider offering potable water.
However, areas south of Bowling Green often have onsite wells high in sulfur and hardness, making it difficult to drink and use without some level of treatment.
Many communities have a water source. It may be a river, ditch, Lake Erie, or wells from which they can draw and treat. A license granted by the Ohio EPA allows a community to oversee operations with monthly testing requirements and under the supervision of an Ohio EPA licensed operator.
Sanitary sewers collect wastewater and transfer it to a sewer treatment facility. A “receiving” stream absorbs the treated wastewater. Licensing and testing are critical and required by the Ohio EPA for wastewater operations. Again, licensed operators must ensure safe operation 24/7/365.
Areas that are not near a public sewer line may “likely” have onsite septic systems that are under the authority of the county health department. I use the word “likely” as some residents may have excellent septic systems, while others likely have failing and, in rare cases, non-existent ones. Testing on the receiving streams monitors the water quality of these systems.
The health department and Ohio EPA can require residents to connect to a nearby public sewer system. No agencies require residents to connect to a public drinking water system.
So, what does an ORC 6119 organization offer that other public utilities do not? A 6119 is a governmental unit separate from a city, village, or county that provides utilities such as potable water, sanitary sewers, and, in some cases, stormwater services.
Some public entities, such as cities and larger villages, often have the capabilities to operate their utility systems with sufficient funding and staff to support their operations. Smaller government units like villages and townships may have issues providing and maintaining utility services in the long term. That is where a 6119 district might come into operation.
This was the case in Wood County in 1992 when the county commissioners and other local governments felt the need to have a regional organization oversee and expand public water and sewer services. After a study, community leaders organized the Wood County Regional Water and Sewer District. The county court approved this 6119 organization to fulfill the county’s growing need for utilities.
Now known as The Northwestern Water and Sewer District, we offer regional water and sewer utilities. We have licensed operators, equipment, customer service, billing, engineering, accounting, and administrative departments to serve large and small areas. Some areas require sanitary sewers, some require water service, and some require both.
Regionalism
You’ve probably heard of regional schools, fire, and rescue services. A 6119 organization applies the same concept to utility service. Some areas are too small and can’t keep up with changing environmental regulations. Some communities may struggle to keep operators, handle finances, or administer operations. Those entities can participate in a regional water and sewer district to provide those services. We believe that a regional district can serve such needs now and in the long term. We provide efficient service at reasonable costs, with planning and administrative support to ensure we do so in the future.
Regional operations are hard to beat, as they can provide as much or as little service as needed. In emergencies, we have the personnel and equipment to fix any problem. We provide around-the-clock monitoring of the systems regardless of location through technology and daily inspections.
I have been in the industry since 1988 and have visited utility operations statewide. For what we provide, an ORC 6119 was and is an excellent way to get superior service!
Jerry Greiner, President
November 30, 2023