Investing In Our Communities

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) estimates that approximately $277 billion of capital spending will be needed between 2003 and 2022 to replace aging water infrastructure and comply with stricter water quality standards, and the USEPA estimates that approximately $388 billion will be needed between 2000 and 2019 to replace aging wastewater infrastructure. We intend to invest capital prudently to enable us to continue to provide essential services to our regulated water and wastewater utility customers. Investing in our infrastructure is critical to our mission of serving our customers quality and reliable water and wastewater service.

We have a strong and ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure and keeping it updated and we are committed to delivering excellent service that our customers depend upon at an exceptional value. Tap water costs about a penny a gallon - a remarkable value compared to any other utilities today. With few exceptions, water service remains the lowest utility bill that a household will pay.

In fact, in Ohio, we have invested more than $30 million since 2000 and we have plans to invest about $52 million through 2011. This investment will help us continue to provide high quality water and wastewater service.

Every year, we deliver system improvements to the communities we serve – from extending water mains to replacing meters and hydrants to upgrading plant equipment. We also invest in major projects to improve service to customers.

In Marion, more than $6 million in improvements are underway at the Marion water treatment plant, including filter, electrical system and backup power upgrades that will improve water service delivery. A new elevated storage tank is planned for completion in late 2008. In Ashtabula, a multi-year investment in Ashtabula’s water system includes more than $15 million dedicated to expanding and improving the water treatment plant to accommodate. In Franklin County, upgrades to the Huber Ridge water treatment plant will help improve water quality and service reliability. And improvements at the Lake Darby plant will provide customers with softer water. To keep customers up to date on project progress, we post regular updates at www.oawc.com.