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The
Cleveland water system is well over one hundred years old.
Planners of a century ago designed the system to accommodate
expansion, but had no way of foreseeing the enormous growth
and transformation of their hometown and surrounding communities.
Moreover, the technology used for both the supply and use
of water has changed. To stay current and provide a reliable
source of water to all customers, the Division of Water initiated
a massive Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in 1981.
This
program, updated regularly, and currently budgeted at nearly
$900 million through 2008, continues today, and has provided
numerous benefits to customers in the three main areas of
reliability, efficiency and quality. Reliability refers to
the system's capacity to dependably supply water, and the
CIP has allowed the Division of Water to carry out important
projects to guarantee dependability. These include rehabilitating
and expanding treatment plants and pump stations, cleaning
and lining existing water mains while replacing deteriorated
and undersized mains, increasing interconnection among the
supply lines so that emergencies do not disrupt delivery,
and adding storage capacity.
Efficiency
refers to the Division of Water's capacity to operate safely,
respond quickly to emergencies and complaints, and effectively
supply water while containing costs. Under the CIP, the Division
has rehabilitated and expanded operations buildings and facilities,
increased analytic capabilities by implementing SCADA and
computerized record keeping, and lowered electricity use while
improving safety programs further.
Quality
is easy to understand - pure, clear water free of odors and
taste. Under the CIP, the Division has been able to upgrade
treatment facilities, install new chemical handling systems,
and take measures to prevent corrosion. Another key program
involves replacing lead service connections installed many
years ago before scientists discovered the risks of using
lead.
The
CIP has proceeded according to schedule and budget, and continues
today. A major component of the current CIP is the Plant Enhancement
Program (PEP). The Plant Enhancement Program is a major capital
improvement planning, engineering, and construction effort
at the Division's four water treatment plants.
CIP
Award Schedule
Funds
for implementing the CIP come from revenue bond proceeds (80%)
and operating revenue (20%). Despite the large amounts of
money the program requires, users of Cleveland's water pay
among the lowest rates in the country. Even more important,
the CIP will ensure that Cleveland's water system can meet
the changing needs of the people of Greater Cleveland and
support the region's economic development for decades to come.
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