Cleveland Water plans to replace 300 lead lines yearly complicating city road projects

The City Council of Garfield Heights convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, with a significant focus on the ongoing collaboration with Cleveland Water regarding lead service line replacements.

The meeting began with a presentation from city officials about Cleveland Water's plan to replace over 300 lead service lines annually until 2037. This initiative aims to enhance water safety and infrastructure within the city. However, the timeline for these replacements presents challenges for the city’s road program. Officials noted that if a road is paved, Cleveland Water will not replace the lead service lines beneath it for at least five years. This delay necessitates careful planning regarding the order in which streets are addressed in upcoming road projects.

City representatives emphasized the importance of coordinating with Cleveland Water to develop a comprehensive 12-year plan that considers both road repairs and lead line replacements. They acknowledged that while the presence of lead service lines complicates road work, it does not entirely halt the city’s road program. However, a significant concern was raised: if lead service lines are removed from a street, Cleveland Water will not provide funding for repairing the water line in that same street, adding another layer of complexity to the planning process.

The discussions highlighted the need for strategic decision-making as the city navigates these infrastructure challenges while ensuring public health and safety remain a priority. The council plans to continue working closely with Cleveland Water to address these issues effectively in the coming years.