Greencastle water main work is completed

The transfer work from old water lines to new water lines has been completed. 

It may have taken longer than anyone wanted and may have come with some communication breakdowns, but the message Monday night was one that Greencastle residents and businesses had been waiting for -- the transfer work from old water lines to new water lines has been completed. 

In a social media post, Greencastle officials made the announcement, stating that if anyone doesn't have water, they should call the Utility Department's after hours number at 765-653-5812. 

"Everyone affected by the water main switch over should have running water now," the post stated with a laughing face emoji. 

At last week's council meeting, the lack of water and the issue being communicated took center stage, as several business owners approached council about the issues. Mayor Lynda Dunbar told those in attendance the issues were the result of contractors discovering city water valves that are over 100 years old and would not turn off immediately. 

"People don't realize that some of our valves are over 100 years old," said Dunbar, who added the water line work was to have been completed on Saturday. In an email Monday to The Putnam County Post, Dunbar confirmed the work was not completed Saturday. 

"We are having problems getting pressure off the main line. They are working at Indiana Street. They will shut off water until they get enough pressure off line," Dunbar emailed early Monday morning. 

With the water lines now switched over, there could be future issues when it comes to valves, as Dunbar said last week replacing the century old valves would cost thousands of dollars. 

"It will be a big expense and probably one that our utility customers will have to pay for," Dunbar said.