News Summary
Bowling Green Municipal Utilities (BGMU) is set to upgrade water service lines and address stormwater infrastructure issues. With 3,700 customers affected by galvanized lines and an urgent need for stormwater improvements, these changes aim to enhance community safety and service reliability. Plans for a dedicated stormwater utility to fund future projects were discussed, highlighting proactive management for the city’s infrastructure.
Bowling Green to Shine with Enhanced Water Services and Stormwater Improvements
Hey, Bowling Green residents! Exciting updates are on the horizon as the Bowling Green Municipal Utilities (BGMU) rolls out plans to upgrade your water service lines and address stormwater infrastructure challenges in our community. Buckle up, because these improvements are set to make a significant difference in your daily lives.
Water Service Line Upgrades on the Way
To kick things off, if you’re a customer of BGMU, there’s good news! After spending the last three years carefully examining the materials used in both customer and BGMU-owned service lines, the utility company has identified what needs to be done to improve your water service. The great news? There are no lead lines in the distribution system! However, approximately 3,700 customers have galvanized lines that will soon be addressed.
How will you know if you’re affected? BGMU plans to reach out to those impacted through postcards or letters. So, if you see something in your mailbox, take note! But don’t worry—if you don’t receive any communication, you’re all set and no action is needed on your part.
Stormwater Infrastructure at Risk
Now, let’s shift gears and talk about our aging underground infrastructure, especially concerning stormwater management. Inspections of Bowling Green’s stormwater system have brought to light some alarming issues. The conditions of many components are deteriorating, with some structural members decaying and others blocked, which significantly hampers their function. With a sprawling 86 miles of underground stormwater infrastructure consisting of about 5,000 separate pieces, it’s clear we have some challenges ahead.
Among those, around 1,000 corrugated metal pipes have surpassed their 25-year lifespan and are approaching the end of their usefulness. This alarming situation has led Environmental Manager Matt Powell to suggest the creation of a stormwater utility that would allow the city to collect dedicated fees for future infrastructure projects.
Future Funds for Stormwater Management
During a work session on January 30, 2025, city commissioners discussed this proposal but decided no immediate action was necessary. Powell highlighted an urgent need for $5.8 million worth of stormwater infrastructure revitalization within the next year, based on inspections that only covered 2% of the system!
Currently, stormwater services are part of the broader city department, which can complicate funding for necessary projects. By transforming stormwater operations into a separate utility, the hope is to provide a steady stream of revenue through service fees rather than relying solely on taxes. For context, nearby Warren County has already implemented a straightforward stormwater fee structure that adds $4 to residential water bills and $10 for businesses.
A proposed fee model based on an “equivalent residential unit” (ERU) has been floated, focusing on average runoff surfaces for homes. With the average ERU size at about 3,100 square feet, residential users would face a fee estimated at $4. Commercial properties would pay more based on their ERUs.
Proactive Management for Future Needs
Powell aims to switch the city’s approach to stormwater from a reactive one to a proactive one. This way, we can stay ahead of future needs and ensure adequate management of our stormwater challenges. These efforts show just how seriously Bowling Green is taking its infrastructure, as we can all agree it plays a huge part in keeping our community thriving.
Water Treatment Services Still Top-Notch
While upgrades and repairs are on the agenda, BGMU continues to manage water treatment by sourcing water from the picturesque Barren River. In recent news, though, a minor hiccup occurred with a sinkhole near 1713 Singletree Way that collapsed a water main, leading to some temporary outages for customers. Crews are hard at work repairing the damage, and thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
In conclusion, Bowling Green is on the brink of significant improvements to your water service lines and stormwater infrastructure. Keep an eye on those mailboxes for your postcards, and together let’s look forward to a better, more efficient city!
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: BGMU Working on Improvements to Some Water Service Lines
- BG Daily News: New Utility Proposed to City to Cover Stormwater Needs
- Toledo Blade: Water, Sewer Rates Tick Upward for 2025
- Wikipedia
- Google Search: Bowling Green water service improvements
