Ravenna City PWS Water Company

In 2017, the Ravenna water department distributed 602 million gallons to Greater Ravenna residents and 19.6 million gallons to Portage County, totaling 622 million gallons overall. Ravenna and the City of Kent jointly maintain an emergency water connection that underwent regular testing throughout 2017, ensuring either community could supply water to the other during emergencies.

Reliability has become a central focus in recent planning efforts. Numerous positive improvements are happening behind the scenes to enhance water quality, upgrade infrastructure, lower operational costs, and strengthen facility security. Rest assured we're committed to delivering the highest quality water possible!

Water Source: Ravenna's municipal system draws surface water from Lake Hodgson. For Ohio source water assessment purposes, most surface waters are considered vulnerable to contamination. Surface waters are easily accessible and can be contaminated through various methods in short timeframes. Ravenna's source water protection area contains moderate potential contamination sources, including agricultural runoff, private septic systems, oil and gas wells, construction site runoff, and highway crossings.

While the Ravenna municipal system treats water to meet quality standards, no single treatment method addresses all potential contaminants. Importantly, Lake Hodgson remains remarkably pristine compared to many lakes, with no development permitted along its shores. The most common issue with this and most lake water sources is aesthetic in nature. Algae growth can occur seasonally in any lake, potentially causing unpleasant tastes and odors. Ravenna employs powdered activated carbon treatment to eliminate these taste and odor problems. As this chemical is quite expensive, dosing is carefully managed to balance cost-effectiveness while maintaining sufficient levels to remove objectionable tastes or odors.

For more detailed source water information, please consult the City of Ravenna's Source Water Assessment Program report (SWAP), available by contacting the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent at (330) 296-2741.

1. Where does Ravenna City PWS water come from?
   Ravenna City PWS supplies surface water to Ravenna, Ohio.
2. Does Ravenna City PWS test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Ravenna 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 Ravenna City PWS?
   Call 330-296-2741 or visit 5383 Lakewood Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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.