Lake County West Water Subdistrict

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. Which container should I use for recycling?

   Use the Blue Can for all recyclables.

2. Where should I place my container?

   In neighborhoods without sidewalks, place containers next to the road but not on the asphalt. In other areas, cans will be collected from the curb, similar to regular garbage collection. Always keep sidewalks clear for pedestrians and wheelchair access.

3. Why wasn't my recycling or garbage collected?

   Common reasons include:

   • The truck arrived before your container was placed at the curb (containers must be out by 6 a.m.)
   • Your bin contained prohibited materials or exceeded the 200-pound weight limit
   • A vehicle or obstacle blocked access to your container
   • It's a scheduled holiday (download the Holiday Collection Schedule)

   For courtesy pickup requests, call 623.222.1900. If possible, a truck may be rerouted to your location.

4. Who participates in the recycling program?

   Every single-family residence currently served by the City's Public Works Division is included. This covers all neighborhoods with municipal trash collection services.

5. What items can I place in my curbside recycling container?

   Visit our website for information on acceptable blue bin items.

6. How do I replace a damaged or missing trash/recycling container?

   Call 623.222.1900 for repair or replacement. Allow 3-5 days for delivery or service.

7. How do I set up service for my new home?

   New residents should call 623.222.1900 to request containers. Allow 7-10 days for delivery. We offer free, one-time pickup of flattened moving boxes (must be tied or taped together). Schedule pickup through Public Works at 623.222.1900.

8. How do I cancel service when moving?

   Call Public Works at 623.222.1900 to suspend service. A $55 service charge covers can pickup, restocking, and redelivery.

9. How do I temporarily suspend service when traveling?

   Call 623.222.1900 to discontinue service. The container remains with the property and should be stored in a secure location.

10. What items are considered hazardous waste?

    Please refer to our Hazardous Material Collection Information page for details.