Progress continues on City water project

By Editor | November 12, 2025 |

Photo by Shari Harris
The concrete base for the new water tower underwent multiple inspections to ensure it would withstand the weight of the tower and water it will support.

The potable water project for the City of Licking continues to show progress with the laying of lines, the drilling of a new well, and the preparation for building a new water tower.

Water distribution lines continue to be laid throughout town, with some congested right-of-ways having to be worked around. Despite those delays, the distribution line component of the water project is ahead of schedule. Some of the new lines have already been tied into the current water system. After lines are laid, dirt and gravel are laid over the lines and must be compacted on roadways and allowed to settle fully before roads can be patched with three inches of asphalt.

The well has been drilled and is functional. A well house must still be constructed and piping must be put in place, then the well can be added to the current system, taking the stress off the two wells that currently are keeping the water flowing for Licking. Construction of the wellhouse is awaiting the completion of designs by the engineer.

The concrete base for the tower has been poured and has passed all inspections. Supt. of Utilities Donnie Trout said he expects the construction of the new tower to begin in late November.

The inconveniences experienced during the project are temporary, and are minimal in comparison to the inconveniences that would have certainly occurred as the old water system continued to deteriorate. The good news is that progress can be seen in all aspects of the project.