Cleveland Water explains lead pipe mapping and meter maintenance to community

The City Council of Mayfield Heights convened on August 4, 2025, to address several key issues concerning local infrastructure and community services. The meeting began with a discussion on the presence of lead pipes within the city’s water system, highlighting the importance of transparency and public access to information. Officials noted that an online map is available on the city’s website, detailing water service connections for each home. This map distinguishes between the city side of the connection, which runs from the water main to the shutoff valve, and the owner side, which extends into the house. If the city lacks information about the owner side, it must assume the presence of lead pipes, particularly for connections established before 1950.

The council also addressed concerns regarding the appeal process for water line replacements. A council member raised a conflict between engineering assessments and the city’s scoring system, which may indicate that a water line does not need replacement despite engineers recommending otherwise. City officials clarified that while there is no formal appeal process, emergency provisions exist for areas with frequent water main breaks.

Further discussions included the impact of income tax abatements on the city’s crack program and the status of water meters and fire hydrants. Officials confirmed that the automatic meter reading program, initiated in 2013, has effectively updated older meters, with Cleveland Water covering replacement costs for malfunctioning units. Clarifications were made regarding the responsibilities for fire hydrant maintenance, emphasizing that routine upkeep falls to local communities, while repairs and replacements are the responsibility of the city.

The meeting concluded with a focus on customer service improvements and the assurance that water rates for Mayfield Heights residents remain consistent, regardless of project awards. The council expressed a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with suburban communities to address infrastructure needs and enhance service delivery.