Camden's water war puts salt in wounds

CAMDEN, Ohio (WDTN) - If the village of Camden didn't have enough to worry about, they're now being told they'll need hundreds of thousands of dollars to get fresh clean water. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency said they know residents are frustrated and unhappy with the quality of water they receive.

Signs of frustration have boiled over on Camden streets with protest signs written on bottled water boxes align the street in front of Village Hall. Residents say they received another punch to the gut as Ohio EPA officials announced what some said is bad news.

"We have sent a letter to the village and told them they have to connect to southwest regional water which is the closest public water supply that could provide the village with water no later than September 30th."

Heather Lauer said how much the venture is going to cost is still being calculated.

"We don't have the final numbers, estimates are about 400-thousand dollars."

Lauer said with this big price tag, her agency will help look for financial help.

"We have been working with the village to try and identify sources of low interest loans or if there is any money available out there as a grant."

Some residents say the village's back is against the wall after drill sites for well water failed. Lauer said the much anticipated drill sites were a big disappointment.

"The first area that they tapped they drilled three holes and did not yield enough water."

Lauer added that another area they drilled yielded water but hit a major snag that could put the village back in the same position years from now.

"But there are concerns about some things in the area that could lead to possible future contamination."

Lauer said for now, temporary choices are limited until a permanent one is discovered. She adds tough choices for the village are on the horizon.

"If they want to hook up and make sure everybody has safe water that's great and if they want to go above and beyond that and make sure that they have a local well field as well then that's up to the village."