City of Toledo Accepting Applications to Provide Water Access for Community Gardens

The city of Toledo is accepting applications for the Community Garden Water Program, which is designed to provide water to lots where neighborhood organizations and non-profit organizations have established community gardens for residents to grow fresh food.

The deadline to apply is April 1. Community organizations may receive a water tap, curb stop, meter pit, remote-read meter, backflow prevention device, and a hose connection for gardens where water is not readily available. The estimated value of the equipment is $2,000.

The application is available online at bit.ly/ToledoGardenWater or at the Department of Public Utilities customer walk-in center, 420 Madison Ave. The application is also available from Toledo GROWs, OSU Extension, and the Center for Innovative Food Technology.

Gardeners must pay water costs. A contract with the DPU for Community Garden Water Service must be placed in the name of a responsible individual or organization with no account arrearages. An authorized individual must sign a contract to be legally responsible to pay for the water. If selected, recipients will receive instructions on how to winterize the equipment to prevent damage.

The list of organizations that have participated in the program includes Grace Presbyterian Church, the Frederick Douglass Community Center, the Padua Center/St. Martin de Porres, and the Burroughs Neighborhood Organization.