County Asked to Fast-Track Dundee Water Plant Upgrade
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (June 22, 2026) – The Tuscarawas County commissioners are being asked to fast‑track a major upgrade to the Dundee Drinking Water Treatment Plant. The proposal outlines a plan to boost the plant’s capacity to meet growing demand.
Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District Director Mike Jones told commissioners the project can’t wait.
Jones said that the plant meets all drinking‑water standards, but high iron levels in the raw water force the system to use a large amount of treated water just to clean its filters. That reduces the amount available to customers.
If approved, construction would take about two years. Jones says customers shouldn’t see any disruption to their water service during that time.
The district may also need temporary approval for up to $100,000 in advance funding to keep the project on schedule while long‑term financing is finalized.
Jones says they might not need to spend any of that money if funding comes through before the first invoice. But waiting the typical 60‑day processing period could delay the entire project.
The project was first proposed in 2022, and Jones says any further delays in funding will push the timeline back even more.