NORTH LIMA -- When Steve Withers began experiencing problems with the well water at home, he felt he

NORTH LIMA -- When Steve Withers began experiencing problems with the well water at home, he felt he was not getting the proper service. His research of the problem led to the creation of Mahoning Valley Water.
"I am addicted to water treatment. Water is a wonderful thing, and over the years I have become fascinated with all aspects of it," Withers said.
He started the business in 1986 after a career as an executive in a retail business.
"When I was having trouble with my water at home, I started going to water treatment conventions as part of my research effort," he said.
In beginning: Withers opened his business on South Avenue in Boardman. He moved it to North Lima in 1992 after outgrowing the Boardman office.
"We are still growing and need even more space," he said.
Initially, the company sold reverse osmosis systems to purify drinking water.
"We then evolved into offering whole house treatment systems that include water softening, iron and sulfur removal, along with disinfection. We also sell bottled water," Withers said.
He said that each system is customized.
"We are not very good sales people," he said. "We are more interested in educating our customers so we can give them the system that is best for them."
Withers said that after a system is installed, his company can either service the system and change the filters for the customers or the customer can be trained to do the work.
Bigger jobs: In addition to selling and servicing residential water treatment systems, the company also works with commercial and industrial accounts.
"A big thrust for our business now is designing systems to meet [U.S. and Ohio] Environmental Protection Agency standards for school districts," he said.
A firm believer in continuing education, Withers said he makes sure his employees are trained in all the latest techniques and innovations.
"We have eight employees, and most of them have been here a long time. They are like family. My son, Phil, also works with me, and it's nice to know that someday he will be here to take this business over," Withers said.