STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — A major rehabilitation project on one of Steubenville’s water storage tanks is set to begin in early July as city officials work to maintain water quality and extend the lifespan of the system.
The Steubenville Water Department will oversee improvements to the 500,000-gallon Belleview water tank, which is located on the campus of Franciscan University and helps provide water service to the LaBelle area.
The approximately $700,000 project includes draining the tank, cleaning and sandblasting its interior, and applying a new protective coating to prevent deterioration and maintain water quality.
City officials said the rehabilitation is part of routine infrastructure maintenance. Over time, protective coatings inside water tanks can wear down, making periodic restoration necessary to help preserve the system.
Funding for the project is being provided through a low-interest loan from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, covering construction, engineering and financing costs.
Work is expected to take about two months, with the tank anticipated to return to service in September.
Despite the tank being taken offline during construction, the Water Department said customers are not expected to experience any interruption in water service. Officials said the city’s pumping system is designed to maintain service while individual storage tanks undergo maintenance.
The Belleview project is one of several water infrastructure improvements planned by the city. Water department officials said another storage tank, located behind Youngstown State University, is expected to undergo similar rehabilitation work in the coming years.
