Akron advances lead/galvanized service-line program and plans advanced treatment for PFAS

City water staff described a multi-part strategy to upgrade drinking-water infrastructure: finish outstanding lead-service replacements and begin a galvanized/private-side program that will comply with the forthcoming federal lead-and-copper rule expected in 2027.

Deputy Service Director Jeff Bernowski and water staff introduced new water bureau manager Scott Meglin and said the distribution system serves more than 85,000 accounts and includes more than 1,200 miles of pipe. Meglin and staff explained that two loan-funded projects include roughly 53% principal forgiveness, enabling the city to perform private-side galvanized replacements and pass on the benefit to residents. "So we're doing this work at no cost to our residents," staff said.

Staff also described a package of water-plant projects: the Bridal Road reservoir replacement (about $23.55 million planned in 2026), an advanced granular-activated-carbon (GAC) treatment facility in early design to address tightening rules for organics and PFAS, backwash pumps and other critical plant repairs. Staff said there have been no detections of PFAS in source water to date, but the GAC facility is prudent to meet best-available-treatment expectations under federal rules.

The committee asked about timing and funding; staff said some projects will roll forward from 2025, some are loan-financed with favorable terms (including long terms up to 45 years), and legislation for specific projects will be forthcoming for council consideration.

No votes were taken; staff will return with proposed legislation and procurement details for the distribution and plant projects.