COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio families across the region are set to benefit from a major investment in water infrastructure. Today, March 26, 2026, the Ohio EPA announced more than $2.8 million in grant funding awarded to 122 public water systems across 58 counties.
The local impact is significant, with several communities in Pickaway, Ross, Fairfield, and Fayette counties securing funds to bolster emergency preparedness, assess system health, and protect source water.
Local Award Breakdown
Pickaway County: $96,100+
Pickaway County secured critical funding for both emergency backup and long-term planning.
- Twin Pines MHP: Awarded $46,100 for an emergency generator to ensure a continuous water supply during power outages.
- Williamsport: Granted $20,000 for a Condition Assessment to help the village develop a professional asset management program.
- Earnhart Hill Water District (Pickaway/Fairfield): Awarded $30,000 for a Well Abandonment project to properly close inactive wells and prevent contamination.
Ross County: $27,804
Two key projects were funded to ensure the stability and safety of the water supply in Ross County.
- Clarksburg: Awarded $20,000 for a Condition Assessment to evaluate the technical capacity and future needs of the village’s water system.
- Frankfort: Received $7,804 for Source Water Protection Strategy to safeguard the natural water sources used by the community.
Fayette County: $100,452
Fayette County emerged as one of the region’s largest beneficiaries, with Jeffersonville alone securing four distinct grants.
- Jeffersonville: Totaling $100,452, the village received funding for:
- $20,960 for an emergency generator.
- $19,610 for a Condition Assessment.
- $27,732 for Source Water Protection strategies.
- $32,150 for a Well Abandonment project.
Fairfield County: $31,787+
Beyond the joint Earnhart Hill project with Pickaway, Fairfield communities secured specific quality grants.
- Thurston: Awarded $1,787 for Source Water Protection.
- Earnhart Hill Water District (Fairfield/Pickaway): (Shared $30,000 for Well Abandonment as noted above).
Why These Grants Matter
Ohio EPA Director John Logue described the funding as a “win-win,” noting that it enhances system capabilities at no extra cost to local residents.
- Emergency Generators: A major priority for the EPA, these ensure that when the power goes out, the water keeps flowing and remains safe to drink.
- Condition Assessments: These grants pay for third-party experts to help smaller towns like Clarksburg and Williamsport create “roadmaps” for their aging infrastructure.
- Well Abandonment: Leaving old wells open is a major environmental risk. These grants help communities like Jeffersonville seal them properly to keep pollutants out of the groundwater.
