Earnhart Hill Water District PWS

Our water source is groundwater drawn from sand and gravel deposits in the Scioto River Valley, commonly known as the Teays Aquifer. This water source has higher vulnerability to contamination from chemical spills compared to other groundwater systems due to minimal clay protection above the aquifer.

Notable concerns include potential contaminant sources in the wellhead protection zone and a documented 1,4-dioxane plume in the southeast aquifer. Remediation wells are currently containing and cleaning this plume, with EHRWSD's four production wells remaining unaffected so far. Protective measures have been implemented to minimize future contamination risks.

For more information about source water assessment or how residents can help protect the aquifer, please contact Operations Manager Louis McFarland at (740) 474-3114 Ext 115.

EHRWSD maintains an emergency connection with Circleville that can supply water to the entire system if needed. This connection wasn't utilized in 2017.

Potential Contamination Sources

Municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities including:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may be naturally occurring or result from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to ensure public safety. All water sources typically contain at least trace amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate health risks.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.

Special Precautions for Vulnerable Populations

Some individuals may be more susceptible to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems—including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly individuals, and infants—should seek advice from healthcare providers about their drinking water.

EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbes are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.

Lead in Home Plumbing

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While EHRWSD provides high-quality water, we cannot control plumbing component materials.

When water sits in pipes for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in drinking water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

For Ohio-certified laboratories that test for lead, visit http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ddagw, call (614) 644-2752, or contact EHRWSD at (740) 474-3114 Ext 119.

1. When is my tax bill due?

   Summer tax bills are issued July 1 and due by September 30 without additional penalties or interest. Eligible seniors may qualify for deferral until February 15 by filing an Application for Deferment of Summer Taxes from the Michigan Department of Treasury or City Treasurer. The Treasurer's office accepts payments Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. A 24-hour secure drop box is available at the Pine Street entrance to City Hall.

2. What happens if I don't pay my tax bill on time?

   Late payments incur penalties and interest. Taxes become delinquent after the last day of February, at which point real property tax collection transfers to the Wayne County Treasurer on March 1. Note that once transferred, the City's tax information "freezes" and isn't updated. Delinquent amount information will appear on the Wayne County Treasurer's website. Properties with unpaid taxes for two years may face foreclosure. The City continues to collect delinquent personal property taxes with monthly interest charges. Additional information is available on the Wayne County Treasurer Website.

3. Can I look up tax records online?

   Yes. The Treasurer works with the Information Technology Department to provide online tax information. Visit the City website and follow the web service links to view your tax bill. For late payments, check online for current amounts including penalties and interest. Remember that once real property taxes become delinquent, they must be paid to Wayne County Treasurer, and the City's online information remains "frozen." Information for delinquent personal property taxes continues to be updated, as the City Treasurer still collects these.

4. I paid my delinquent amount to Wayne County. Why does my online tax bill still show a balance due?

   The tax record "freezes" when delinquent amounts transfer to Wayne County Treasurer. These records don't update after payment to Wayne County as they represent amounts due as of the delinquency date.

5. Can I pay my tax bill online?

   Yes. The City uses Official Payments to process online tax payments via credit card. Follow the service link to make your payment. The Treasurer won't accept credit card payments except through the Official Payments website, which charges a 3% service fee. You can also pay by phone at 1-888-272-9829 using jurisdiction code 3211.

6. How are my taxes calculated?

   Your tax amount equals the property's taxable value multiplied by the millage rate, plus a 1% administration fee. The City Assessor determines taxable value, with Proposal A limiting its growth to inflation unless ownership changes. Various taxing entities establish the millage rate.

7. What are Special Assessments?

   Special Assessments include items like unpaid water bills, invoices, or ordinance citations that can be added to tax bills to ensure payment. These items aren't considered taxes for federal itemized deductions or Michigan Homestead Tax Credit purposes, so there's no benefit in letting them appear on your tax bill. Significant non-payment penalties typically apply before items transfer to the tax bill.

8. I received a tax bill that should have gone to my mortgage company. What should I do?

   Forward the bill to your mortgage company for payment.

9. How can I verify my mortgage company is paying my tax bill on time?

   If concerned about timely payment, check the online tax information through the City's website to confirm the bill has been paid.