Aurora City - Cleveland PWS

MISSION: The City of Aurora has prepared this annual Consumer Confidence Report to provide residents with vital information about water quality and to increase awareness about the production and delivery processes that ensure safe tap water. This report fulfills requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act Re-authorization of 1996.

YOUR WATER SOURCES:

• Portage System: Water is drawn from a well field on Coit Street (groundwater system) and treated at the Shalersville Water Treatment Plant using ion exchange softening.
• Cleveland System: Sources water from four intakes positioned 3-5 miles offshore in Lake Erie's Central Basin, strategically placed to minimize contamination from tributary runoff and coastal activities.

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT:

• The Portage aquifer has high susceptibility to contamination due to its sensitive nature and potential contaminant sources nearby. For more information, call 1-800-963-1292.
• The Cleveland intake zones are classified as low susceptibility due to their offshore distance and depth, though Lake Erie is considered a vulnerable surface water source.

PROTECTION MEASURES:

• Portage County Water Resources maintains a comprehensive Source Water Protection Program.
• Cleveland Water employs a multiple barrier approach for treating source water.
• The State of Ohio conducted source water assessments in the late 1990s.

WATER DISTRIBUTION:

• Portage County supplies water to Aurora, Streetsboro, and Shalersville Township.
• Cleveland Water has emergency interconnections with area water systems, though none were used in 2017.

For more information about potential contamination sources or to request a Drinking Water Source Assessment Report, contact the Risk Management Section at 216-664-2444 x75838.

What are those colored lines painted on sidewalks or roadways?

These markings indicate buried utility lines. Before excavation, Pennsylvania One Call (dial 8-1-1 or 1-800-242-1776) must be contacted so utilities can mark their lines. The color code system is:

• Red = Electric power lines, cables, conduit, lighting
• Yellow = Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, gaseous substances
• Orange = Communication, alarm, signal lines
• Blue = Potable water
• Purple = Reclaimed water, irrigation lines
• Green = Sewers and drain lines

These marks must remain visible until excavation is complete. Tampering with them violates Pennsylvania Utility Line Protection Act 287 and may result in fines up to $50,000 or imprisonment up to 90 days.

How can I prevent pipes from freezing in winter?

To protect pipes from freezing and potential bursting:

• Insulate exposed pipes with sleeves or wrapping
• Seal cracks in exterior walls and foundations near water pipes
• Maintain a slow trickle through faucets connected to vulnerable pipes
• Remove all hoses from outdoor faucets and close interior shut-off valves
• Drain all underground sprinkler systems
• Maintain minimum temperatures in unoccupied buildings

Check utility rooms, garages, basements, and crawl spaces to minimize freezing risk. Homeowners are responsible for replacing meters damaged by freezing.

What causes etching on glassware in dishwashers?

The water supply doesn't cause glassware etching. This results from strong phosphate sequestrants (trisodium phosphate) in dishwasher detergents, worsened by extremely hot water, softened water, and excessive detergent. High temperatures transform detergent phosphates into more aggressive compounds. Natural water hardness normally neutralizes these aggressive chemicals, but without it, they can extract elements directly from glass. Use less detergent and keep water temperature below 140 degrees to prevent this problem.

Why is my stainless steel flatware becoming spotted and stained?

Water isn't causing this issue. Flatware that sits for hours before washing should be thoroughly rinsed. Direct contact with foods like salt, vinegar, mayonnaise, dairy products, salad dressings, tomatoes, fruit juices, and seafood can cause staining if not promptly removed.