Akron advances water supply and reclamation facility upgrades

Akron advances water supply and reclamation facility upgradesThe City of Akron has greenlit a package of capital improvements for its Public Utilities Bureau, authorizing bids for raw water intake repairs and approving direct purchases of chemical transfer pumps for finished water dosing.

Council authorized the purchase of eight Watson-Marlow chemical transfer pumps and four roller assemblies from BissNuss for dosing finished water.

The city will publicly advertise for bids for Phase 1 of a raw water intake valve replacement project and the construction of emergency water main connections.

A contract with Akron Energy Systems LLC was approved to replace two boilers at the Water Reclamation Facility.

The Akron City Council broadly approved a package of water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades during its June 22, 2026, meeting, advancing several procurement and construction contracts for the city's Public Utilities Bureau. Targeting water quality and distribution reliability, the council authorized the Director of Public Service to secure eight Watson-Marlow chemical transfer pumps and four roller assemblies. A council member noted during the meeting that the equipment, to be procured through BissNuss without public bidding, will be used to dose water treatment chemicals into the city's finished water supply. The council also authorized the city to publicly advertise for bids on two major construction initiatives. The first project involves the construction of Akron emergency water main connections. The second authorizes Phase 1 of a raw water intake valve replacement and repair project at the Water Supply Bureau. Both items were passed unanimously via the council's consent agenda. On the wastewater side, the council approved a direct contract with Akron Energy Systems LLC. The agreement covers the purchase and replacement of two boilers located in the administration building and central locker room at the Water Reclamation Facility. The measure passed 12-0, with one council member abstaining due to a potential conflict of interest regarding an unnamed collaborating company. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of Gorman-Rupp parts and pumps from the Craun Liebing Company to support ongoing utility operations. All water-related measures were passed as emergency ordinances to expedite the procurement and construction timelines.