SOUTHINGTON - Hundreds of residents from Southington and Braceville townships gathered at Chalker High School Wednesday night to hear a presentation about phase two of an upcoming water line project.

The waterway would connect approximately 275 properties to a public water line and replace existing well water systems in the areas of Palanx Mills Herner Road, Leiby Osborne, State Route 534 NW, and State Route 82 NW.

The Trumbull County Sanitation Engineer plans to complete the project in 2027.

During the time for public comments, many attendees spoke in favor of the waterway.

"Thank you for doing this, and I'm gonna not see orange water coming out of my drains no more," said one attendee for public comment.

"I'm very happy that I'm gonna get water, and I appreciate it very much," said another attendee for public comment.

None rose to make a statement against the project.

Residents who agree to connect to the waterway by March 20th must pay $650 for a box that connects their property to the system.

Anyone who waits until after the deadline must pay $4,475 for the same box.

This includes a flat $20.82 monthly bill for the water, along with additional costs based on water usage.

Trumbull County Sanitary Engineer Gary Newbrough says residents may choose to connect to the public water line.

"If you say you don't want anything to do with water, we'll just go right past your house," he said.

After a presentation, the sanitation engineer opened the floor to questions.

"A lot of people out in that area that have animals, farms, that kinda thing, are they able to keep their well water for their animals, and how do we have to do that?" asked Ada Siglin, a relative of a Southington resident.

Under state law, homeowners who choose to retain well water must purchase an Alteration permit from the Trumbull County Board of Health for $250 and have a $500 backflow prevention device installed to prevent cross-contamination.

The well water must also be tested annually.

Those who choose not to install a backflow prevention device must close off their well in order to connect to the public waterway.

The Trumbull County Commissioners will accept letters in favor or against the project until March 20.

The letters can be sent to their main office at 160 High Street NW, Warren, OH 44481.