At the May 8 meeting the Lake County Department of Utilities delivered a Drinking Water Week report highlighting the county’s treatment operations, outreach and conservation advice.

Patrick Stitz, public service coordinator, told commissioners that Lake County draws its drinking water from Lake Erie, operates two treatment plants (an eastern plant in Painesville Township and a western plant in Willoughby), and that the plants combined produce an average of about 13,500,000 gallons per day serving 13 communities. He said plant staff operate around the clock to treat water from “lake to tap,” maintain quality control, respond to main breaks and manage hydrant flushing.

Stitz noted Lake Erie’s role within the Great Lakes and offered water-conservation suggestions including fixing leaks, turning off taps between uses and using water-efficient appliances; he also encouraged residents to avoid dumping chemicals, reduce fertilizer use and consider rain barrels to protect source water. He said the eastern water plant in Painesville Township will host an open house as part of ongoing public education efforts.

No regulatory action or budget change was proposed; the presentation was informational.