Nov. 2, 2011
The Board of Municipal Utilities was formed when the City of Avon Lake established a charter form of government in 1951. Since then, the Board has acted both independently and in cooperation with City government. This independence allows the Board to focus on utility business and act decisively when windows of opportunity present themselves.
As the leaders of neighboring communities learned that Avon Lake Municipal Utilities had a first class utility, they approached us about buying our water and wastewater service. Today we provide high quality water to Sheffield, Sheffield Lake, Avon, North Ridgeville, Medina County and the City of Medina, and communities served by the Rural Lorain County Water Authority. Over 185,000 people enjoy the drinking water we provide.
The same is true of wastewater service. Avon Lake Municipal Utilities is currently providing wastewater treatment for sections of Avon and communities served by LORCO (Lorain County Rural Wastewater District). Approximately 85% of the water and 10% of the wastewater processed by our utility is for use outside of Avon Lake.
The Board cooperates with the city whenever the interests of Avon Lake residents are involved. Currently, a study is being conducted to determine what are the best ways to keep excess stormwater, a major cause of basement flooding, out of the sanitary sewers in Avon Lake. Two resident meetings have been scheduled: Learwood Gymnasium on Nov. 16th, and Troy Gymnasium on Nov. 19th, from 7PM to 9PM, to discuss the issues with City and Utility leaders, and what we can do to solve the stormwater problem.
Why is the board’s independent position a plus for Avon Lake? Independence brings another perspective to solving the city’s water and wastewater problems. It also brings in additional revenue that helps pay for on-going operations, plant improvements, and technologies that provide high quality service at a cost that is less than $1/day for the average Avon Lake customer.
Board members are independently elected by the residents of Avon Lake. To learn more about the Board of Municipal Utilities, visit Avon Lake Municipal Utilities web site at www.avonlakewater.wpengine.com.