Cleveland Water Commissioner Alex Margavicious presents suburban main renewal program

The City Council of Mayfield Heights convened on August 4, 2025, to discuss the Cleveland Water Suburban Main Renewal Program, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing water infrastructure in the region. Cleveland Water Division Commissioner Alex Margavicious presented the program, emphasizing its importance for local residents and the broader community.

Margavicious highlighted that the Cleveland Division of Water serves approximately 1.4 million individuals across six counties, making it the tenth largest water system in the United States. He explained that the utility operates independently from the city’s general fund, relying solely on revenue generated from water bills. This financial structure ensures that funds are directly reinvested into maintaining and upgrading water services.

A key focus of the meeting was the new water service agreement, which aims to modernize the relationship between Cleveland Water and its suburban customers, including Mayfield Heights. The agreement includes several components: a restated water service agreement, an economic development agreement, an asset transfer agreement, and a suburban water main replacement program. The latter is particularly crucial as it involves the transfer of ownership of distribution mains from the city to Cleveland Water, allowing for more efficient management and upgrades.

Margavicious noted that the existing agreement for Mayfield Heights dates back to the 1980s, indicating a pressing need for updates to reflect current standards and community needs. The proposed changes are expected to enhance service reliability and support economic growth in the area.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for council members to ask questions and engage with the Cleveland Water representatives, ensuring that community concerns were addressed. The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining a robust water infrastructure, which is vital for public health and local development.

As the council considers the proposed agreements, the outcomes of this meeting could lead to significant improvements in water service for Mayfield Heights residents, aligning with broader community goals of sustainability and growth. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the agreements and their potential impact on the city's water management strategy.