Contaminated drinking water could be affecting several Union Township residents.
According to Jim McGarry, sanitary engineer for the Miami County Sanitary Engineer Department said some wells in Hoke Plat have been contaminated and are documented by the county health department.
Hoke Plat is a neighborhood of 28 homes off of Jay and Emerick roads constructed in the 50s.
McGarry said the area does run the risk of having contaminated water because it is built on shallow bedrock, which can cause septic systems to leak into well water.
Registered sanitarian for the county Nate Bednar said because there is not much soil over the 12' to 24' bedrock in Hoke Plat, it is difficult to get an accurate reading of water quality from septic tanks and wells in the area.
"We've done a few samples over the years and some have failed and tested positive for basic bacteria in the water," Bednar said.
"But we don't have much information about the situation. There's only one documented complaint.
"I do know this area isn't the only area like that. There are others in the county where the neighborhoods have their septic systems and wells in shallow bedrock.
"I know from experience that type of area can be difficult to get an accurate water sample out of. It doesn't mean all the water is unsafe."
Union Township Trustee president George Mote said he is requesting a study of the well water be made. Mote said the trustees have met with the county to discuss the problem, but at this point, little information about the situation is known.
McGarry said the city of West Milton does have a county water and sewer line that runs to a church camp just south of Hoke Plat and there is talk of extending the water and sewer lines into Hoke Plat, but at this time there are no definitive plans.
"There is public water in the area," Bednar said. "I believe at some time in the future there will be more sampling and more investigation (of the water in Hoke Plat) and we will have a public meeting.
"But we're at the beginning of a very long process. We're talking probably months and maybe even longer."
For more information about keeping wells safe, go to miamicountyhealth.net or contact the Miami County Health Department at 440-5450.
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