The Northwestern Water and Sewer District joined local officials and project partners Tuesday to celebrate the completion of the $13.1 million Dunbridge water and sewer project, the largest infrastructure initiative in the District’s more than 30-year history.
The project brought new public water connections and reliable sanitary sewer service to the Dunbridge community. The sewer improvements address failing household septic systems identified by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency as a public-health and environmental concern.
The Wood County Commissioners committed $8.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, helping turn a long-standing community need into completed infrastructure while reducing the financial burden on residents. In total, the project installed 2.3 miles of new waterline and nearly 5.8 miles of sanitary sewer infrastructure, providing new water connections to more than 40 homes and businesses and connecting 102 properties to the sanitary sewer system.
“This project shows what is possible when public health needs, responsible planning and one-time federal funding come together,” said Garret Chamberlain, district engineer. “The result is dependable water and sewer infrastructure that will serve Dunbridge for years to come.”
“We felt this was a unique opportunity to address important infrastructure, and we appreciate the District’s partnership in completing the project,” said Dr. Ted Bowlus, vice president of the Wood County Board of Commissioners. “We’re all proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish together in Dunbridge.”
Interim Wood County Health Commissioner Rachel Aeschliman highlighted the value of collaboration: “This project reflects what we can accomplish when partners come together with a shared commitment to building a healthier, stronger community through safe water and sewage infrastructure investments.”
During the celebration, attendees raised water in a toast to clean water in Dunbridge and the county and local partners, crews, engineers who made the project possible.
