“Water, water, everywhere, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
MANSFIELD — It’s unlikely 18th century English poet, literary critic, philosopher and theologian Samuel Taylor Coleridge had Mansfield City Council in mind when he penned the above famous narrative in 1797.
But water was certainly on the minds of six Mansfield residents who spoke to local lawmakers Tuesday evening during the public participation portion of the meeting.
— Melissa Baldridge, who spoke at the most recent council meeting, again attended to tell council she believes city water rates and fee structures are unfair to poorer residents and the non-profits who attempt to help them. “This is an immediate call of action for our civic leaders to put an end to this bovine excrement,” the Fifth Avenue resident said.
— Holly Condict, a Wood Street resident, said the city needs to improve the speed of its response to water main breaks and also the manner in which it notifies residents when boil advisories are put in place.
— Dennis Craze lives on Ohio 314, “about a mile as a crow flies from the (Clear Fork Reservoir).” A “sailor and angler,” Craze thanked the city administration and law enforcement officer Scott Kotterman for improvements at the reservoir.
“I just want you to know that your efforts are not being wasted and we appreciate it. And yet, I’m sure there’s more work we can do. Whether you are a resident or a sailor or you fish there, we’re all touched by the same thing — the water. Any effort you can put into keeping that facility and resource safe would be greatly appreciated,” Craze said.
— Parkway Drive resident Rusty Wisenbarger and Coleman Road residents Eric and Deborah Miller all spoke to lawmakers and the administration about the health of the reservoir and the need to protect it from potential future harmful algal blooms.
A Mansfield attorney, Eric Miller spoke to lawmakers during a meeting in May to raise similar concerns and to ask for a committee meeting on the topic.
“I remain frustrated that I started this effort 18 years ago, put it on hold, and if you hear frustration in my voice, and if you’ve heard it in the past or in the future, I’m more upset with myself than with anyone else that we’re just now getting to this point of addressing the long-term health of the reservoir,” Miller said.
“I acknowledge the city is in full compliance with state and federal law (regarding the reservoir). In all my earlier correspondence and from the beginning with this (current) administration, I’ve made that clear.
“It’s not a matter of asserting that you’re not in compliance,” said Miller, who helped lead the successful election effort behind the Water Main Initiative now replacing aging water mains around the city.
“The problem now, and it’s the same as the problem was 18 years ago, mere compliance with existing law is not enough to address the threat posed by cyanobacteria and other forms of what’s called harmful algae blooms. It just isn’t enough,” said Miller.
He researched the topic and believes the state of Ohio’s H20 program aimed at clean water will not be an option for funding potential algae issues at the reservoir.
“I documented my position to you extensively in writing. Your chosen spokesmen have indicated they’re not disputing our experts on the facts. They’re not disputing us on our policy arguments. I’m glad to hear that,” Miller said.
According to the Ohio Dept. of Health, HABs “often occur when there is a shallow body of fresh water, warm temperatures, sunlight, and large amounts of nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) in the water. Phosphorus and nitrogen are commonly found in animal and human wastes and fertilizers. Some HABs look like thick mats, or scum, on the surface of the water. HABs can vary in color, including bluish-green, bright green, or even red or maroon.”
Such HABs have impacted the western basin of Lake Erie in Maumee Bay and have been a recurring problem at Grand Lake St. Marys in Auglaize/Mercer counties, impacting the water supply in Celina.
Public Works Director Louis Andres, in a written document, said the city spreads a peroxide-based algaecide on the reservoir every week and a half when water is warm enough to grow algae — roughly April to November. The work is done at a cost of about $70,000 annually.
“Using peroxide-based (instead of copper sulfate) allows us to treat without the chance copper builds up in our drinking water and wildlife,” Andres said.
He said the city samples and tests water in the reservoir weekly during algae season.
Andres said if the reservoir did become temporarily unusable due to algae, the city has nine wells that produce enough water to meet the city’s daily needs.
He said when the area experienced drought conditions in 2004, the Clear Fork Reservoir was a few feet low and no algae was detected in drinking water.
Andres said the city’s water treatment plant adds other chemicals to help with any algae that may make it to the intake plant.
“The recent completion of our upgrade at the water treatment plant ensures our ability to continue removing these, and other contaminants, from our drinking water,” he said in the written statement.
