Persistence Pays Off: Bainbridge Finally Gets Long-Awaited Sewer System After Decades of Setbacks

Bainbridge, Ohio — After more than four decades of trying, the Village of Bainbridge has finally completed a long-awaited sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant - a project rooted in perseverance, vision, and community-wide collaboration.

This Ross County village, nestled about 20 miles west of Chillicothe, began its journey toward modern wastewater infrastructure back in the 1980s. At the time, Bainbridge qualified for funding through the now-defunct Ohio EPA Grants Program. But despite early momentum, the project came to a halt when required archaeological surveys in the historically rich Paint Creek Valley delayed progress and the grant program ended. Without grant financing, the plan was shelved, and the village’s wastewater issues lingered.

In the decades that followed, Bainbridge remained the largest unsewered village in Ohio. A second major attempt surfaced in 2000, when the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) was brought in to develop an affordable financing plan. With RCAP's help, the village crafted a proposal to finance a new sewer system for just $46 a month per household. But despite three years of planning and an estimated $6 million project cost, concerns over affordability led village council to vote it down.

It wasn’t until 2018, after the Ross County Health Department flagged most onsite sewage systems as failing and a potential environmental concern, that momentum picked up once again. Many systems in the area were outdated, with 50% relying on septic tanks and drywells situated above permeable gravel layers, directly impacting groundwater quality.

RCAP re-engaged with the village, this time helping to secure a robust financing package. With funding from a mix of local, state, and federal sources—including Ohio EPA, ARC, ODOD, OWDA, and others - the total project cost reached $15.4 million. RCAP helped the village obtain 68% grant financing and 32% loan financing. Thanks to these partnerships, the community didn’t bear the full financial burden alone.

Construction began in October 2022 and wrapped up in March 2025, marking the successful completion of a massive effort that included:

• Over 51,000 linear feet of sewer lines
• 3 lift stations and 5 grinder pump stations
• A 150,000 gallons-per-day wastewater treatment plant
• Sanitary sewer collection and treatment for 350 households and 40 businesses

This project not only modernizes the village but also safeguards public health and sets the stage for future economic growth. The strategic addition will also serve key community partners, like the Lighthouse Youth Center at Paint Creek, further expanding its impact.

Today, Bainbridge stands as a testament to persistence and the power of community partnerships. With cleaner water, reliable infrastructure, and room to grow, the village has turned the page on decades of delay and moved confidently into a cleaner, more sustainable future.