Avon Lake Water: Upcoming Construction Projects, System Improvements

(ALMU) has long had an active capital improvement program. In 2012, that program is moving into an even higher gear, which will mean some inconvenience for residents, and better service as the improvements are completed.

In 2011, ALMU replaced the water line on Belmar Boulevard. That was in preparation for a major combined sewer separation that will begin this year. The combined sewers on Ashwood, Moreland, Belmar, Artsdale, Curtis, Electric between Ashwood and Curtis, and Redwood between Ashwood and Crestwood will be separated. The existing combined sewer will become a storm sewer and a new sanitary sewer will be installed.

The City of Avon Lake will be working with ALMU to accomplish this, and they will be undertaking both storm sewer improvements and road paving in association with the project. Prior to the sewer work being completed on Redwood, the water main will be replaced in that same area. The water main replacement will help reduce water breaks and will improve the ability to fight fires in the area. ALMU will schedule meetings in the near future to discuss the project with residents.

Late this year, a water treatment plant expansion will begin. ALMU provides water to more than 185,000 residents in parts of seven counties, who use up to about 36 million gallons of water per day (mgd) during the summer. Growth in this approximately 650 square mile service area necessitates the expansion from the current 40 mgd capacity to 50 mgd. The construction will be completed during the low demand periods in order to minimize service disruptions.

Our water pollution control center (WPCC) will begin a major renovation in 2012. It has been 30 years since the last major work has been completed at the WPCC. In order to maintain and potentially improve the quality of our discharge into Lake Erie, the 1970’s technology that has been stressed during the wet weather conditions that are becoming a common occurrence in northeast Ohio will be updated with modern equipment that can better handle the loading.

ALMU’s regional approach to providing water and wastewater services helps minimize costs each of our customers pay for these improvements as part of their water and sewer rates. As the user base continues to grow, rate impacts will be further minimized.

Avon Lake Municipal Utilities is your water and sewer provider; and we appreciate your understanding, as these projects proceed. Customers can call us during office hours (8AM – 4:30PM) at 440-933-6226 or email us at contact@avonlakewater.org. For after-hours emergencies, call 440-933-3229. Like us on Facebook at AvonLakeWater, follow us on Twitter @AvonLakeWater, or view our website at www.avonlakewater.org to keep up to date on these projects and other important aspects of your water and wastewater service. 

Our goal: Healthy customers, healthy environment through sustainable water management.