Pictured is the town of Clymer’s current water tank, one aspect of many set to be replaced in the town’s water system upgrade project that they recently received a state grant for. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

CLYMER — The town of Clymer has received a $5 million Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant from the state to help with the ongoing water system replacement project in the town.

Town Supervisor Brian Willink said the money is being used to basically offset about half of the total cost of the water improvement project, which will be replacing the original water system built in 1967.

“This grant was critical to the town to be able to offer an affordable option for system replacement,” Willink said. “Without it, we would be unable to afford to take on a project of this magnitude.”

Aspects of the water system upgrade include replacing over 27,000 linear feet of water mains, installing a new tank, constructing a new well and replacing water meters, which are said to last for about 20 years. The total project cost comes to about $10.4 million. Besides that, Willink said there are a few other items the town would like to conquer with this project that they are looking for other funding options for.

“We do have some additional items that we would put in the ‘nice to have’ category,” Willink said. “We are working on applying for a grant to help offset any additional costs that may be incurred if we want to increase the scope of the project to include those items.”

While the system was built in 1967, Willink added that it has remained mostly maintenance free in that time, and that it being so well built when first put in has allowed for the water district to operate in an extremely cost efficient manner to those in the town that use it.

“We are very appreciative of the various administrations and water operators over the years who have been great stewards of this huge community asset,” Willink said. “With the system replacement, we are hoping to provide another 60 years of quality water at an affordable price for the district users.”

Construction for the replacement project is set to likely begin in September and continue until the fall of 2026. With construction comes many pieces of equipment, material and personnel and Willink asked everyone to be patient as they travel through Clymer during that time.

“Please be cautious and courteous as we work with our contractors to provide a safe work zone for them,” Willink said. “With six miles of pipe that is set to be placed in the ground, it will be extremely busy in our town.”