Southwest Regional Water District has taken legal action against the City of Trenton, Ohio, accusing it of unlawfully encroaching on its water service territory. On October 25, 2025, Southwest Regional Water District filed a verified complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division, seeking declaratory judgment and injunctive relief against the City of Trenton.
The dispute centers around allegations that the City of Trenton has been providing water services to areas within Southwest Regional Water District’s court-defined service territory, specifically along Brelsford Avenue and Howe Road in Madison Township. This territory is part of what is referred to as the “Disputed Territory.” The district claims that this action by the city violates protections afforded under 7 U.S.C. § 1926(b), which prohibits municipalities from curtailing or limiting water service provided by rural water associations indebted to the USDA during their term of indebtedness. Southwest Regional Water District argues that it has been capable of serving these areas and has pledged its water service revenues to secure loans from the USDA.
In their complaint, Southwest Regional Water District contends that the city’s actions have not only curtailed their ability to serve customers but also violated federal law designed to protect rural water districts from municipal encroachment. The district emphasizes that they have owned and operated waterlines in these areas since at least 1999 and have been expanding their system since their formation in 1992. They argue that without judicial intervention, they will suffer irreparable harm due to lost revenues and potential financial instability.
The lawsuit seeks several forms of relief from the court. Firstly, a declaratory judgment affirming that Southwest Regional Water District is entitled to protections under § 1926(b) and that the City’s actions are unlawful. Secondly, preliminary and permanent injunctions are sought to prevent further encroachment by the City into their service territory. Additionally, they seek compensatory damages for lost revenues, an order for equitable forfeiture of infrastructure used by the City within disputed areas, and an award for attorney’s fees.
Representing Southwest Regional Water District is attorney Matthew A. Dooley from Counsel 365, LLC. The case is presided over by a United States District Judge in Ohio’s Southern District Court under Case No. 1:25-CV-835.
Source: 125cv00835_Southwest_Regional_Water_District_v_City_of_Trenton_Ohio_Complaint_Western_District_Ohio.pdf
