Bedford City PWS Water Company

The City of Bedford is proud to present our 2017 Municipal Water Quality Report to you, our valued customers. This report includes essential health information, detailed water quality test results, ways to participate in decisions regarding your water supply, and important contact information.

Bedford purchases its water from the City of Cleveland. Cleveland Water sources its supply from four intakes positioned far offshore in Lake Erie's Central Basin. These intakes are strategically placed 12-15 miles apart and 3-5 miles from shore, where the water quality is optimal and minimally affected by tributary runoff and coastal activities. Lake Erie is classified as a surface water source.

For information about potential pollution sources, contact Risk Management at 216-664-2444 x75838 to request the Drinking Water Source Assessment Report. All surface waters are inherently vulnerable to contamination from chemicals and pathogens that could rapidly reach the intakes with little warning time. However, Cleveland's Critical Assessment Areas (CAZ) are categorized as low susceptibility due to the distance and depth of the intakes from potential contaminant sources.

The City of Bedford purchases all water from Cleveland at wholesale rates and distributes it to customers within its service area. Bedford monitors water through 16 master meters located at various boundary points. Our system serves approximately 5,500 water connections through roughly 55 miles of water mains maintained by the Bedford Water Department. As an independent water provider, Bedford must comply with all EPA regulations, submit monthly reports, and undergo regular EPA inspections of our operations.

1. Where does Bedford City PWS water come from?
   Bedford City PWS supplies purchased surface water to Bedford, Ohio.
2. Does Bedford City PWS test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Bedford City PWS must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Bedford City PWS?
   Call 440-232-1600 or visit 165 Center Road, Bedford, OH 44146, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Bedford City PWS water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Bedford City PWS water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.