Lake County West Water Subdistrict Water Company

The Source Water Assessment and Protection program provides vital information about Lake County-West Public Water System. This initiative helps identify protected areas and offers resources to reduce contamination risks in these zones. The program aims to ensure safe, abundant water for current and future Ohio residents.

Following the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996, the national Source Water Assessment and Protection System was established to safeguard drinking water sources for all public water systems across the United States. Public water systems serve at least 15 service connections or regularly provide water to at least 25 individuals daily for a minimum of 60 days annually.

Lake County operates the West Subdistrict community public water system serving approximately 80,968 residents through 28,502 metered connections. The treatment facility draws water from Lake Erie with a design capacity of 20 million gallons daily, though current production averages 9.92 million gallons per day.

The Ohio EPA, with assistance from Lake County Water System staff, has identified potential contamination sources within the protection area including:

• Municipal wastewater treatment discharges
• Industrial wastewater releases
• Residential sewage disposal systems
• Air pollution deposition
• Combined sewer overflows
• Agricultural and urban runoff
• Oil and gas operations
• Transportation-related spills from rail, vehicles, shipping, and recreational boating

Protection strategies include establishing effective emergency response protocols and educating stakeholders about potential contamination sources. Regular intake monitoring and coordination with U.S. Coast Guard officials regarding spill response are recommended. The Lake County-West contingency plan should be updated as needed.

According to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, Lake Erie provides excellent quality water that must be protected from further degradation. A comprehensive monitoring system should be implemented by local, federal, and state agencies. Future development and land use changes may impact the ecological health of the watershed.

Lake County should consider coordinating protection efforts with the Chagrin River Watershed Partners Inc., which provides watershed information at www.crwp.org. Additional management initiatives for Lake Erie are underway through the Lakewide Management Strategy. More information is available from the Ohio EPA office in Twinsburg.

Recycling and Waste Collection FAQ

1. Where does Lake County West Water Subdistrict water come from?
   Lake County West Water Subdistrict supplies surface water to Lake County, Ohio.
2. Does Lake County West Water Subdistrict test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Lake County West Water Subdistrict 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 Lake County West Water Subdistrict?
   Call 440-918-3420 or visit 105 Main St, Painesville, OH 44077, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Lake County West Water Subdistrict 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 Lake County West Water Subdistrict 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.