Wyoming Village Council approves multi-million dollar waterworks upgrades

Under the warm glow of the Wyoming City Hall, council members gathered to reflect on a vital aspect of their community's history: the evolution of the village's waterworks. The discussion traced back to the early pioneers who settled in the Mill Creek Valley, where access to water was crucial for their survival. Springs and small streams initially served the sparse population, but as the village expanded, the need for a more reliable water source became evident.

In 1881, Mayor Jacob Bromwell proposed the establishment of a municipal waterworks to enhance the quality of life for residents. His vision was further supported by Mayor Roderick Varney, who, in 1886, believed there was a significant supply of fresh water deep underground. To validate his theory, Varney commissioned a test well at an amusement hall, which proved successful, yielding an abundant supply of cool, clear water. This discovery not only satisfied local needs but also allowed the village to sell water during droughts.

With the newfound confidence in their water supply, the village council approved the construction of a municipal waterworks in 1890. The ambitious project included four wells, a pumping station, six and a half miles of water mains, and a 3,000,000-gallon open reservoir, all completed by 1892. This infrastructure provided residents with direct access to pure water, marking a significant milestone in the village's development.

As Wyoming continued to grow, the water system adapted to meet increasing demands. In 1949, the original open reservoir was replaced with a closed tank, and a distinctive spherical water tower, affectionately known as "the golf ball," was erected to maintain water pressure for new hilltop subdivisions.

The council's commitment to independence was evident in 1959 when they opted to invest a million dollars in upgrading the water treatment plant and drilling new wells, rather than connecting to the Cincinnati Waterworks system. This decision underscored the community's desire to maintain control over their water supply.

Today, as the council revisits this rich history, it serves as a reminder of the village's resilience and dedication to providing quality water for its residents. The discussions not only honor the past but also set the stage for future improvements, ensuring that Wyoming remains a thriving community with a reliable water source.