10 Investigates first uncovered filthy water towers throughout central Ohio more than two years ago and we wanted to see what has been done about it.
From Baltimore to Zanesville, water towers shape our landscape and quench our thirst, but some
people said they do not want to drink what comes out of their tap.
"I'd rather have bottled water," said Kathy Armstrong.
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10 Investigates first discovered all kinds of things you would never expect floating around in those towers two years ago, including dirt, debris and animals.
National and state recommendations call for a comprehensive inspection of water towers and tanks to be performed every three to five years.
The national guidelines also suggest tanks get an internal cleaning at least every five years, but 10 Investigates found some municipalities have not thoroughly inspected or cleaned, their tanks in decades, Aker reported.
10 Investigates found issues in counties, including Delaware, Fairfield, Muskingum and Washington.
Some of the more eye-opening examples popped-up in the Appalachian foothills. As Marietta's water manager explained, that's where holes in the towers have let critters creep in.
A water tower there was found with a hole in its top.
"A little rain water might get in, or wasps," said Marietta water manager Paul Beach.
Photographs taken five years ago by a tank inspector found a dead bird in the water, Aker reported.
After finding it, Beach quickly cleaned that tank, but said another tank in the city has not been cleaned since 1999.
"That costs money too, you know," Beach said.
The bill for an inspection and cleaning can cost between $3,000 to $10,000 per tank, Aker reported.
Municipalities, including Baltimore, Belpre, Lancaster and some tanks in Delaware County, have tanks that have not been cleaned or undergone a comprehensive inspection for several years.
Zanesville has a water tank that has not been cleaned since the 1980s, Aker reported.
"It's been a long time, yes," said Zanesville water manager Paul Mills. "I don't know. I took over five years ago and one of the things I've put on my list is to get the reservoir and towers clean."
The reservoir Mills was talking about is a shed-like structure that covers a pool of treated water, but the water is clouded with debris.
"Some cans, bottles, some wood, things like that," Mills said.
A cleaning a few years ago revealed metal, debris, and even a three-wheeler frame, Aker reported.
Zanesville pulled the junk out and sanitized the structure, but there are still holes in the roof and sides large enough for animals to climb through.
"Getting money set aside to do that would be a great thing, so it's something we're looking into," Mills said.
Ohio State Sen. Jimmy Stewart has sponsored a new law that would make it easier for communities to put money aside for tank cleaning.
"That's really unacceptable, it doesn't get any more basic than clean water," Stewart said. "I understand the hardship it can put on communities, but ultimately I think it's more about proper planning and less about financial hardship."
Until towns stay on top of their tanks, residents like Armstrong said they will stay away from the tap.
Officials said it is not always economically prudent to clean tanks. Delaware County said tank cleaning disrupts water service, Aker reported. All of the communities we talked to say their water is safe and they've never had a serious bacteria problem in their tanks.
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April 28, 2008: Neglected Water Towers Could Leave Bad Taste
