Medina City PWS

The City of Medina has prepared this comprehensive report to provide information about your municipal water quality. We've included essential health information, water testing results, ways to participate in decisions about your water supply, and details about water system connections.

During 2017, we completed several infrastructure improvements. We replaced water mains in three key locations: W. Smith Rd. (west of Fair Rd. to S. State St.), N. Court St. (from south of Harding St. to north city limits), and Wadsworth Rd. (from Smokerise Dr. to Twin Oaks Blvd.). Additionally, on Prospect St. between W. Smith Rd. and Lafayette Rd., we abandoned a problematic 4-inch water main and connected all residents to the 8-inch main to resolve recurring water discoloration issues.

Since July 2002, Medina has purchased water from the City of Avon Lake Water Treatment Plant. That year, the Ohio EPA conducted a source water assessment for Avon Lake's system. This water comes from Lake Erie, a surface water source. Due to Lake Erie's vast size and dilution capabilities, Ohio EPA evaluated contamination potential based on a Critical Assessment Zone (CAZ) and found no direct pollution sources. Ohio EPA determined that their source water assessment and emergency protocols would effectively address any undetected contamination risks.

To protect public health, Medina collected 573 bacterial tests throughout the city in 2017, confirming our water remains free from coliform bacteria. We also conduct regular lead and copper testing. Our history of compliance allows us to operate on a reduced monitoring schedule, testing 30 samples every three years at residences with potential for lead contamination. The most recent tests were conducted in 2017 and are included in our reports.

Water sources for both tap and bottled water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Why implement a local stormwater bylaw?

Stormwater is regulated under two primary frameworks: the Federal Clean Water Act (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) for municipal stormwater systems and construction areas over one acre; and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MA Stormwater Policy) enforced by local conservation commissions for areas near wetlands.

Under Federal Clean Water Act Phase II requirements, the Town of Walpole received a NPDES PII Small MS4 General Permit. This permit requires the Town to implement a program reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff from construction activities disturbing one acre or more by May 1, 2008. The program must include a regulatory mechanism with approaches to:

1. Require post-construction runoff controls
2. Implement best management practices for erosion and sedimentation control
3. Control other wastes on construction sites
4. Monitor potential water quality impacts of projects
5. Establish public review procedures
6. Create processes for site inspection and enforcement

The Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw meets these Phase II requirements.

How does the stormwater and erosion control bylaw work?

The bylaw designates the Walpole Conservation Commission as the permitting authority and requires projects exceeding certain thresholds to obtain permits. For larger projects, a Land Disturbance Permit requires formal application, plans, and a public hearing. Smaller projects may qualify for a Fast Track Permit requiring only review by the Conservation Agent during building permit application.

Why regulate activity at 40,000 sq.ft. instead of 43,560 sq.ft. (one acre)?

This threshold was selected to prevent clearing of large land tracts without proper controls. The largest zoning district in Town (Rural district-R) allows minimum lot sizes of 40,000 sq.ft. Under the Bylaw, developing an entire lot would require a Land Disturbance Permit, while leaving portions undisturbed might not. Using the one-acre threshold would allow complete lot clearing without public review.