Akron advances downtown water infrastructure master plan and facility upgrades

Akron advances downtown water infrastructure master plan and facility upgradesThe city council has authorized engineering services for downtown water replacement, alongside water plant main upgrades backed by state revolving loan funds.

Council authorized professional engineering services for the Akron Downtown Water Infrastructure Replacement Master Plan.

Funding agreements with the Ohio EPA and Ohio Water Development Authority were approved for water plant main upgrades.

A replacement fiberglass tank for the water reclamation facility will be purchased from Barrington Pumps and Systems Incorporated.

The water reclamation facility tank purchase passed 13-0 without formal public bidding after the city evaluated two supplier quotes.

During its July 20, 2026, meeting, the Akron City Council advanced a package of water and wastewater infrastructure measures, signaling progress on both long-term planning and immediate facility needs. Because the items faced no opposition, several major water infrastructure ordinances were placed directly onto the council's consent agenda. For long-term planning, the council authorized the Director of Public Service to publicly advertise for bids and request qualifications for professional engineering services for the Akron Downtown Water Infrastructure Replacement Master Plan. Simultaneously, the council greenlit construction contracts to improve and upgrade the water main at the city's water plant. To finance this capital project, the council authorized the mayor's office to execute funding agreements with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Supply Revolving Loan Account and the Ohio Water Development Authority. On the wastewater side, the council unanimously approved a direct contract with Barrington Pumps and Systems Incorporated to supply a replacement fiberglass tank for the water reclamation facility. The ordinance passed 13-0, bypassing formal public advertising for bids. A council member noted that the city received quotes from two suppliers before determining Barrington Pumps was the best option for the facility.