Time is running out for Ford City to fix its water woes.
The Ford City Council missed a February deadline for presenting an outline to the state Department of Environmental Protection of how it is going to fix an antiqued waterworks. Estimates have shown that the system leaks more water into the ground than it sends to users. It remains to be seen when the council will have a proposal ready.
Meanwhile, the borough is being fined $250 every day until it presents the plan.
Officials have known for years that they had a problem with the water system. In December 2012, the suggested solution was to renovate the system. That was tagged then as the most cost-effective answer. Two months later, the headline on the story changed: “Only one solution: Replace the existing system.” Ford City briefly floated a third option of contracting with Manor for water service. That was shelved because of costs.
So, for months, things seemed settled. The system would be replaced and construction could start as early as spring. That was in October.
Then the council voted at February's meeting to put the project on hold. All three options were put back on the table.
The council should schedule a town meeting, present the three options, and let the public guide it to a preferred action.
Too many years have been lost talking. It's time to act. Time is money in this case. The council needs to quit being satisfied with literally letting money go down the drain.
