Spring 2020 Suburban Water Main Renewal Program Awards Announced

Cleveland Water has awarded over $8 million for water main replacement projects to 11 suburban service communities. These awards are part of our $25 million annual capital investment in buried infrastructure.

Twice annually, Cleveland Water awards funding for water main projects in direct service suburban cities through the Suburban Water Main Renewal Program (SWMRP). The SWMRP provides these suburbs with a mechanism to have their water mains replaced at no direct cost to them.

Since the program’s inception in 2007, Cleveland Water has facilitated substantial improvements to the water infrastructure throughout the 36 participating communities. To date, over $150 million has been invested in water main renewal and replacement.

In 2007, Cleveland Water partnered with the Suburban Water Council of Governments to launch the SWMRP to renew local water mains in direct service suburbs.

Prior to this program, suburban governments owned water mains smaller than 20 inches in their respective communities. While Cleveland Water was responsible for the maintenance and repair of broken mains, suburban communities were financially responsible for replacing or rehabilitating the infrastructure.

To join the program, suburbs must enter into a Restated Water Service Agreement (WSA) that transfers ownership of their distribution system to Cleveland Water. Cleveland Water then takes over the responsibility of making capital improvements to the water distribution system in those suburbs. Accordingly, we have committed capital funds to finance water main projects under the program.

Twice each year, eligible suburbs can submit applications for proposed projects in their community. Projects are chosen based on an objective scoring model. Criteria include main breaks, fire protection, water quality, and removal of lead service lines.

While Cleveland Water provides project funding and oversight, each local suburb usually manages the design and construction process. SWMRP funds are often used to leverage additional funding for sewer or roadway projects that are done simultaneously with the water main work.