Council presses Mid Ohio on communication after discolored-water incident, hears update on East Side trunk bids

Councilman Greg Eads raised concerns about a Feb. 2 discolored-water event within London city limits and criticized Mid Ohio Water and Sewer District's communications to residents and local officials.

Eads said the city's public-facing press release reported a mechanical failure but did not indicate whether the water had been tested and deemed safe to drink. "The press release did not indicate that the water had been tested and was safe to drink," Eads said, and he said he could not find a way to sign up for customer notifications on the Mid Ohio website or billing portal. He urged Mid Ohio to establish clearer, multi-channel alerts and suggested quarterly updates to local governments or regular attendance at council meetings.

Eads also relayed an update on the East Side trunk project, saying bids opening that day were expected near $22,000,000 — about $6 million higher than projected three years earlier — and that the higher cost could require rate increases to cover debt service. City staff (Saltzman) said easement transfers to a new landowner may not have carried over, and unresolved easements could prevent immediate progress or require alternative legal steps.

Council asked staff to follow up and to invite Mid Ohio leadership to an upcoming meeting to address communication protocols, project timelines and rate impacts. No vote or formal action was taken at the meeting; council members said they expect continued discussions.