Newton Falls Council looks to improve essential dams

City leaders are preparing to officially remove the dam near Summit Street in the Mahoning River.

Two major dams in Newton Falls need to be repaired as they're a part of the main water source for those who live there.

"OUR WATER SUPPLY COMES FROM UP ABOVE THE EAST RIVER. WE'RE NOT SURE IF THE DAM GOES, WHETHER IF THE LEVEL FO THE DAM WOULD DO DOWN AND WE MAY NOT HAVE A WATER SUPPLY," said 2nd Ward Councilman John Barnyak.

Council voted unanimously to move Low Head Dam and West Branch Channel Dam into their park district to give them more likelihood that grants will be received for the two projects to move things along quicker.

"IF YOU CAN DO THAT OR HAVE THEM CONSIDERED AS THE PARK, THERE'S A GREATER OPPORTUNITY TO GET SOME GRANTS TO HELP OUT WITH THE FUNDING TO DO SO," Mayor Ken Kline said.

Council members and Mayor Kline agreed the dam needs essential repairs to fix rodent damage, erosion, blocked spillways and improper vegetation.

If the dams are removed, it will affect the water levels in the village.

"WE HAVE OUR OWN WATER SYSTEM HERE SO THAT PLAYS A PART IN IT TOO WHERE THE WATER'S SO SHALLOW. YOU HAVE A LOT MORE OF A CHANCE FOR NOT HAVING CLEAN WATER AND HAVING BACTERIAS ETC," Kline said.

Council says the goal is to repair the dams no matter what it takes.