After going through the treatment process, the high-quality drinking water must be distributed to the citizens that live and work in the St. Marys area. The distribution system consists of a grid of underground pipe, valves, fittings, and service lines that delivers water to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. It includes all areas inside the corporate limits and also several areas bordering Grand Lake St. Marys.

1. 72 miles of water mains, 2" through 16" in diameter

2. 1,571 valves

3. 530 fire hydrants

4. 4,252 service connections

   1. 3,855 residential customers

   2. 375 commercial customers

   3. 12 industrial customers

   4. 10 free customers (parks, pool, etc.)

Regular maintenance is a very important part of operating a water distribution system. Personnel are charged with many tasks and projects in order to keep the distribution system operating at peak levels. Examples include: preventative maintenance and replacement of distribution system components, inspections of water mains and service connections, water main flushing, fire hydrant inspections, installation of new mains to extend water services into new areas, and many other activities.

The distribution system is maintained by three full time employees, directed by a foreman. Most employees are Ohio EPA certified operators.  The increasingly technical nature of Federal and State regulations requires continuing training on the part of all employees.

Last modified: 03/30/10