Since 1925, Avon Lake Regional Water (https://avonlakewater.org/) (Avon Lake)
has had a rich history, starting with providing water to 1,200 Avon Lake
residents. The initial investment of $390,000 (in 1925 dollars) covered the cost of
the land, the original water plant, and the administration buildings, which were
constructed a year later. Today, Avon Lake operates as a $60,000,000 utility with
water and wastewater treatment facilities, serving more than 200,000 Ohio
residents across a 680-square-mile service area.
In September 2021, Robert Munro assumed the role of Chief Utilities Executive at
Avon Lake, bringing with him over two decades of public service experience.
From managing wastewater treatment facilities in Erie, Pennsylvania, to his
current leadership in Avon Lake, Mr. Munro has remained committed to
continuous improvement and innovation.
“Continuous improvement is not just a bullet point that we put on
documentation,” Mr. Munro shared. “It’s ingrained in our lifestyle.”
Under his leadership, Avon Lake has become a hub for technological innovation,
exemplified by its groundbreaking TechWin pilot project
(https://avonlakewater.org/2024/06/avon-lake-pilots-first-electrochemical-water-tr
eatment-process-in-north-america/), which could set a new standard for water
treatment in North America. This month, Mr. Munro shared details of this
initiative with AMWA staff, along with the utility’s unwavering commitment to
resilience, collaboration, and shaping the future of water treatment through
leadership, adaptability, and community-focused innovation.
A Foundation Built on Leadership and Continuous Improvement
“Our continuous improvement initiative is something that has been near and dear
to our board,” Mr. Munro said, emphasizing the unique governance structure of
Avon Lake’s utility, with oversight from an elected Board of Municipal Utilities.
Today, continuous improvement permeates every department at Avon Lake, from
water filtration to customer service, the team has championed robust
documentation, rigorous root cause analysis
(https://avonlakewater.org/waterquality/), and the elimination of complacency.
“We hate the old adage: ‘That’s the way we’ve always done it,’” he said.
“Sometimes, it may still be the best way, but we’re always looking to improve.”
Additionally, Mr. Munro believes in empowering his team to take ownership of
their roles. He encourages open dialogue and constructive feedback to identify
areas of improvement and spark innovation.
“Our team knows they have a voice,” he said. “We’re not afraid to try something
new. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, we learn and move forward. That’s how we
innovate.”
The TechWin Pilot: Transforming Water Treatment
Among the utility’s innovative ventures is the TechWin pilot project, a partnership
with the Cleveland Water Alliance (https://www.clevelandwateralliance.org/) and
South Korea-based TechWin (http://www.techwin.co.kr/eng/main.php). The
project explores the potential of an onsite hypochlorite generation system that
produces high-strength (12 percent) sodium hypochlorite, which is a significant
improvement over the standard 0.08 percent solutions commonly generated by
U.S. utilities.
“This project is a first of its kind in North America,” Mr. Munro explained. “We’re
taking something that has been successful in South Korea and testing its viability
here.”
As their partnership blossomed, two years of planning culminated in the delivery
of TechWin’s equipment in late 2024, and Avon Lake is now preparing for the
system’s pilot launch in March or April, with plans to run comprehensive tests
over 12 to 18 months.
According to Mr. Munro, the stakes are high. “We’re in the midst of a $32 million
improvement project at our water filtration plant,” he said. “If the TechWin
system proves successful, it could become a permanent solution, potentially
manufactured here in northeast Ohio.”
The project is more than just an upgrade, it represents a leap forward in how
water utilities approach disinfection and chemical management. If successful, it
could pave the way for broader adoption across the U.S., improving operational
efficiency and safety for many utilities.
Additionally, the project is more than a technological experiment; it’s a response
to vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as supply chain
disruptions and increase in chemical costs.
“During the pandemic, we saw 300–400 percent price increases on chlorine gas,”
Mr. Munro said. “It became clear that having an onsite generation capability was
essential for resilience. If we can’t disinfect drinking water, the consequences are
catastrophic.”
While the financial savings for ratepayers remain uncertain, the broader benefits
are clear.
“Ensuring a reliable disinfection product is invaluable,” Mr. Munro emphasized.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the project also positions Avon Lake as a leader
in addressing industry-wide challenges. “The lessons we learn here could be
shared across the sector,” Mr. Munro said. “It’s about creating a model that
others can replicate.”
Innovation Rooted in Community
At the heart of Avon Lake’s success is a culture of collaboration and community
engagement. For example, the TechWin pilot provides exposure not just for the
utility but for the region, as potential clients from across North America will visit
Avon Lake to see the system in action, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in
water innovation.
“Our partners from South Korea have invested $6 million in this project,” Mr.
Munro noted. “In exchange, we’ll own the equipment and provide them with
invaluable data and operational insights.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Munro sees enormous potential for Avon Lake to influence the
water sector.
“We’ve always been a well-run utility,” he said. “Our residents enjoy the lowest
water rates among incorporated cities in Ohio because we’ve been able to
distribute costs over a larger customer base, and projects like TechWin help us
continue that legacy while addressing future challenges.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Munro is optimistic not just for Avon Lake, but for the broader
water industry. “Innovation is not an option; it’s a necessity,” he said. “We’re
proud to be part of shaping the future of water treatment.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Progress
As Avon Lake continues to push boundaries, its efforts serve as a testament to
what can be achieved through visionary leadership and a commitment to
excellence. From the TechWin pilot to its broader initiatives, the utility is laying
the groundwork for a more resilient and innovative water industry.
“At the end of the day, it’s about serving our community and ensuring they have
access to safe, reliable water,” Mr. Munro said. “That’s what drives us every day.”
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