Akron committee reviews major water‑main replacement program, ratifies emergency repair contracts and invoices

Service Director Chris Bridal told the public service committee the city continues an annual water‑main replacement program that leverages OPWC and the city's water capital fund to replace aging mains and address critical break history. He said the city has roughly 300 miles of mains that are over 100 years old and that this year's program will replace about 13,000 linear feet of water main in various diameters.

Bridal reviewed emergency repairs from a hard winter that produced an unusual number of breaks. “Between January and March, we had about 230 water‑main breaks across the city,” he said, describing one 30‑inch transmission main repair that required outside contractors and extended work while fittings were obtained.

The committee considered an ordinance authorizing the director to publicly advertise and enter contracts for the 2026 water‑main replacement program and a related ordinance ratifying the director's prior use of Wingfoot Rental & Development without public bidding to pay invoices for four emergency repairs (Smith Road & Riverview, two Crosby Street breaks including a 30‑inch, and a 20‑inch on Chateau Avenue). The staff said invoices have been received and payment authorization is required.

Committee members thanked staff for fast response in neighborhoods and asked about permanent patches and possible contractor arrangements to handle frequent breaks; Bridal said crews are completing permanent repairs and staff are exploring yearly contracts to help limit mobilization time during break surges.

Both the replacement‑program ordinance and the ratification of emergency repairs were placed on the consent agenda and approved by voice vote in committee; specific roll‑call tallies were not recorded in the transcript.