History

In the late sixties, a group of local residents formed in The Village of Pleasant Plain. The first group was from the southeast part of Warren County and was named The Harlan Water System. At the same time another group formed the East Fork Valley Water Association (Clermont County). The second group was from the northeast part of Clermont County in Monterey-US 50 area. This group was known as the East Fork Valley Water System. The goal of both groups was to attain safe, potable drinking water for their area both groups began to work together and on February 18, 1971 at the urging of then Farmers Home Administration (kna) USDA (Rural Development) the two groups by vote of membership both merged into the Harlan-East Fork Water System. The systems work with FmHA to finance the construction of a water system. Engineering studies and customer sign-up began in earnest. U.S.G.S. Geologic maps indicated a possibility of a groundwater supply along the Little Miami River. Reliable data on the aquifer was scarce. Although testing was done upstream of Morrow, near Interstate 71, a good well field was finally found two miles downstream of Morrow. The company purchased 17 acres for its well field. The ground water supply was of hard, good quality.

Government studies indicated that soft water would save an average family more than $11 per month (at that time) in soap clothes, energy, piping etc. Accordingly, the Board determined that softening of the water be provided in the treatment plant to be constructed.

The first office of Harlan-East Fork Water System was in the old Pleasant Plain Bar, next to the railroad on SR 132. There was no heat, water or restroom facility. With no system in existence, it was difficult to convince rural homeowners to sign water users agreements and to pay a tap fee. With a great deal of volunteer effort on the part of many dedicated people they were able to sign up the required number at that time of 1,475 customers to proceed with the project.

On June 7, 1973 a meeting of the members was held. Based on customer signups, preliminary cost estimate resulted in an increase of the original rate from $6.55 per month to $11.50 per month. The rates have only increased twice since we went into operation January 1976. The members approved going ahead, even with the higher rate. On May 1, 1974, construction contracts were let and the initial project was completed January 1, 1976. The system started with 1,475 users and 127 miles of water line.

In April 1991 Harlan-East Fork merged with Clinton County Water System. Harlan-East Fork was the surviving corporation and the name was changed to Western Water Company.

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