With so much of everyday life shut down due to coronavirus, it’s important to remember those basic services that are too often taken for granted — specifically, clean drinking water that is easily and readily available to consumers.
This week, the American Water Works Association is marking Drinking Water Week, an annual celebration for more than 40 years to recognize this valuable service and the role water professionals play in keeping the community safe and healthy by carefully monitoring water quality.
Some of those individuals behind the scenes who oftentimes aren’t recognized for their crucial public safety roles include local water superintendents and their employees, such as City of Bellefontaine Water Department Superintendent Tim Newland, who has worked for the department for 23 years, including 22 years in his current role. Before he came to the local department, the Ridgeway resident also served eight years with the City of Kenton’s Water Department.
distant photo prior to begining their shift. (EXAMINER PHOTO | NATE SMITH)
“Everybody gets up in the morning and might go to brush their teeth or grab a drink of water — we don’t always think about where that water comes from,” Newland said. “Water also is especially important right now as we’re reminded to wash our hands often during the pandemic.
“We’re an essential service and our eight employees at the department have been here each day throughout this time. We’re a resource and it’s our responsibility to ensure that the community has access to this valuable service.
“As the Ohio EPA’s slogan for this week states, ‘The unsung heroes protecting the environment and keeping your water clean and safe 24/7.’”
Newland recognized his fellow water superintendents around Logan County who dedicate their time and professional work to ensuring the quality of residents’ water, including: Brandon Bingham with the village of Belle Center ; Ken McAlexander for DeGraff; Dave Scott for Lakeview; Kirk Helmandollar for Quincy; Chris Coak for Rushsylvania; Tim Reese for Russells Point; Brad Hudson for West Liberty; and Josh LeVan for West Mansfield.
On a daily basis, Bellefontaine Water Department employees complete water sampling and monitoring for the city and also complete those important tasks at Myeerah Nature Preserve, 7405 State Route 540, Bellefontaine, ever since the city took ownership of the outdoor space. Employees also respond to water line breaks and other related emergencies.
According to the department’s recently released 2019 Consumer Confidence Report, the City of Bellefontaine Water Department serves approximately 13,500 people through 5,434 service connections and 109 miles of distribution lines.The city’s water source is groundwater and the well field is located at 1251 W. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine, officials stated in the report, which is available to view at the city’s website, www.ci.bellefontaine.oh.us.
To receive copies of the report, individuals also can contact the water department at (937) 593-6121 or e-mail tnewland.
As mentioned in the report, the city’s new water treatment plant was completed and put in service in 1998. In 2019, the Water Department had an unconditioned license to operate the water system.
The city water superintendent also has played a large role in helping to pass along knowledge from the profession to others in the community by serving as an instructor for water operator trainings for a number of years. The courses previously have taken place at the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and more recently at the Bellefontaine City Council Chambers.
Newland said the profession suits his personality because he has the chance to interact with some many different people throughout each work day.
“It’s in my blood,” he said. “I’m a known people-person. I’ve also had second jobs in a variety of places, including serving as the mayor of Ridgeway, selling insurance and working in guest services at the Jerome-Schottenstein Center.
“I’m happy to serve and enjoy this line of work and helping the public.”