Aqua Ohio to Buy Campbell Water System for $7.5M

BOARDMAN, Ohio – Aqua Ohio has reached an agreement with the city of Campbell to purchase the city’s water treatment plant and distribution system for $7.5 million.

The sale, pending approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, is expected to close later this year.

Campbell’s water system serves 8,200 residents through 3,200 connections and needs “millions of dollars in improvements,” Aqua Ohio said in a statement. The organization said it will invest $4.3 million to “enhance water quality, reliability and regulatory and environmental standards.”

“I want to commend the city of Campbell’s mayor and council members for administering an open and transparent evaluation,” said Aqua Ohio President Ed Kolodziej in a statement. “This system needs a lot of investment and Campbell’s officials remain focused on making sure any resolution would offer the best solution for members of the community.”

After Aqua Ohio takes over the system, there will be no rate increases for at least five years. Following that period, Campbell will participate in rate negotiations with other local municipalities served by Aqua Ohio.

In a statement, Aqua said average customers using 3,200 gallons will not see an increase in their monthly water bill. 

Campbell water department employees will be offered employment following the sale after they pass background checks and drug screenings.

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