A temporary garbage collection stoppage so sanitation workers could aid water leak repair efforts proved positive for the City of Ironton.

“By combining crews we were able to repair four major leaks around the city,” Rich Blankenship, Ironton mayor, said. “After fixing those breaks the water level in our tanks immediately started to rise.”

Breaks at Indian Hills, Kemp Lane, North Third and Elm streets, and 7 1/2 Alley on Walnut Street were all repaired by 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

“We did the right thing,” Blankenship said. “The sanitation employees will resume garbage collection Thursday unless another major issue occurs. This is the first time in six years I have had to combine crews. I’m doing all I can with resources that are available.”

Blankenship said he has contacted United States Rep. Bill Johnson(R) and Ohio Rep. Terry Johnson(R) asking for financial assistance in upgrading or replacing the city’s 100-year-old water line system.

“The city doesn’t have the money to replace this infrastructure,” Blankenship said. “There are loans available, but we can’t pay back the loans.”

A boil water advisory has been issued for the Zenith Heights and Indian Hills areas because water was shut off completely during the repair.

“Who knows what might happen overnight,” Blankenship said. “We are keeping our fingers crossed.”

For more on this story, see Thursday’s Tribune.