By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Groveport’s new $2.6 million water plant is expected to be operational by mid-June.
“There’s a lot of activity at the new water plant,” said Groveport City Engineer Steve Farst. “Once the new plant is up and running customers will see more consistent, and definitely better, water quality.”
Councilwoman Jean Ann Hilbert asked Farst if the water from the new plant, located on South Hamilton Road near the existing water plant, will be softer. He replied that the hardness of Groveport water may have more to do with the city’s old pipelines and water tanks than with the water plant.
According to Farst, the clear well has been installed at the new plant and piping, electrical/controls are being installed. He said an equipment fabricator will arrive in May to begin the process of starting up the plant.
While the new plant is getting ready to open, Caldwell Tanks is preparing to shut down the city’s 200,000 gallon, 46-year-old water tower, located on South Hamilton Road, for maintenance and repairs.
“A major rehab is planned for that water tower, which will take this tower out of service for eight to 10 weeks,” said Farst. “Plans are to repair the tank and ladder, sandblast it, and repaint the tower inside and out. The work’s going to be noisy.”
Farst said the city will use the 100,000 gallon, 80-year-old “Tin Man” water tower, which is located north of Blacklick Street, while work is being done on the 200,000 gallon water tower.
“It can handle it,” said Farst of the “Tin Man.”
As part of the rehabilitation of the 200,000 gallon water tower, city council had to decide on what color it should be painted. Originally council wanted the tower to be re-painted its existing color, but the paint on the tower faded over the years and its original color was a much darker blue.
“Caldwell Tanks does not recommend using the original color,” said Farst. “Darker colors tend to absorb more heat and that could interfere with the water treatment.”
Farst suggested council choose a lighter color. Council selected painting the water tower light gray with black “Groveport” lettering. The back-up choice is to paint it white with green “Groveport” lettering.
On a surprising note, Farst said it will only take “less than 40 gallons of paint” for the finishing coat of paint on the water tower.
