Water Q&A Water Q&A

Understanding Marblehead’s Water System Transition

Earlier this year, Marblehead made the decision to stop producing its own water and begin purchasing treated water from the Ottawa County Regional Water System. While the village continues to maintain the local distribution system and handle billing operations, this transition marks a significant shift aimed at keeping water service reliable and financially sustainable for our residents. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we’ve received about the change—and what it means for you.

Has Ottawa County taken over Marblehead water?

No, but village officials are in the process of joining the Ottawa County Regional Water system. As of April 9, 2025 the village stopped producing water at the Marblehead plant and began purchasing bulk water from the county system. The village continues to maintain the water distribution system and billing operations.

Why was the decision made to close the water plant?

In short, village officials acknowledged operating a water utility had become too expensive for 840 customers to support. Even with new users at Bay Point and eventually Johnson’s Island, bills would have continued to rise to cover the increasing cost of producing and distributing clean drinking water. In addition, a planned second water tower designed to improve pressure and service along Bayshore Road would have cost an estimated $3 million and placed an unnecessary burden on customers. Testing last summer which demonstrated that the county could provide sufficient pressure and fire flow without the need for a new tower was the final factor in council’s decision to join the Regional Water system.

Does county water come from the Portage River?

There is a long-held misunderstanding that the county’s water is poorer quality because it comes from the Portage River while Marblehead’s is drawn directly from the lake. This is false. The Regional Water System treats water drawn directly from Lake Erie meeting the same drinking standards required by the EPA.

Why did water bills increase so much?

Marblehead water rates had not increased since 2009 despite the fact the cost of chemicals, electricity, testing, staffing and maintenance continued to rise during that 15-year period. Council conducted a lengthy rate study trying to find alternate means to support the water utility but ultimately concluded a significant increase was necessary.

Will my bill go down when the county takes over?

It depends. The minimum rate will be close to the same, but county bills are based on 4,500 gallons per month while the village minimum is 3,500 gallons per month. For usage beyond that the county rate is $0.00499 per gallon while the village rate is an additional $0.0127 per gallon. Example: Based on village rates 6,000 gallons of water would cost $84.75 while the county bill for the same usage would be $60.30. After the Marblehead water regionalization loan is paid off, the minimum water bill will equal the Regional Water monthly rate at that time (now currently at $24.00).

Why am I paying the village when the water comes from the county?

Until such time as cooperative agreements are finalized and necessary construction completed the village is purchasing treated water from the county system to distribute to customers through village-owned lines. The village is also responsible for the expense of distribution system maintenance and debt obligations which are payable through 2031.

What construction is required before the county can accept Marblehead’s system?

In addition to replacing all meters in the village, a permanent connection needs to be installed on Bayshore Road and a portion of a line currently serving residents on Bay Point Blvd. needs to be relocated. A 0% interest loan has been applied for to fund these improvements, and the work will be phased with a target completion by the end of 2026.

What effect will all of this have on the Johnson’s Island waterline extension?

Marblehead has been working with engineers and island residents for the past few years on a project to extend water to Johnson’s Island. The village will continue to oversee this project through the assessment process and ultimate construction. The design has been modified slightly to comply with county standards and the lines will ultimately become part of the regional system. The village has qualified for an $8 million, 0% interest loan for the waterline extension which will be repaid through assessments.