Cleveland to Invest in Water Main Maintenance and Corrosion Control Through 2031
Cleveland is preparing for a multi-year effort to strengthen its water infrastructure by focusing on the reliability of the pipes that deliver drinking water to the region. City Council has passed emergency ordinance 602-2026, which establishes the framework for inspecting, repairing, and replacing transmission water mains, valves, and other essential components. This program is designed to run from 2027 through 2031 and aims to address aging infrastructure by preventing failures in the city's primary water arteries.
What's in the file
The legislation authorizes the Division of Water to enter into Public Improvement and Professional Service contracts to support the Transmission Main Renewal and Corrosion Prevention and Control (CPC) program. According to the 602-2026 Legislative Summary, these efforts are necessary to mitigate corrosion, which is a primary cause of deterioration in the system's steel and iron assets.
The scope of work includes:
- Inspection, repair, and replacement of transmission mains, valves, and appurtenances throughout the distribution system.
- Implementation of cathodic protection (CP) improvements, including new installations, upgrades, and rehabilitation.
- Professional engineering services for feasibility assessments, geotechnical evaluations, and CP system design.
- Protective coating system services, including design, application assistance, and inspections.
The total estimated cost for these combined projects is in excess of $22.6 million.
| Project Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Transmission Main Renewal Program | $12,000,000.00 |
| Phase II Cathodic Protection | $2,500,000.00 |
| Phase III Cathodic Protection | $5,600,000.00 |
| Little Met Transmission Main Liner | $1,500,000.00 |
| Corrosion Engineering Services | $1,000,000.00 |
Who may be affected
- Division of Water: Will manage the contracts and oversee the maintenance of treatment plants, distribution mains, and storage facilities.
- Department of Public Utilities: Responsible for the broader oversight of the infrastructure improvements.
Status and timeline
The ordinance has officially passed and is part of the city's long-term planning for water system reliability.
- May 7, 2026: The ordinance was introduced to City Council.
- 2027–2031: The planned period for the Transmission Main Renewal and Cathodic Protection program.
Residents can verify the details of this legislation by reviewing the official record for Ord. No. 602-2026.
Source record
- File
- 602-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- May 6, 2026
Official documents
- 602-2026-PIK Prof Serv transmission main renewal and cathodic protection 2027-2031
- 602-2026 Legislative Summary
- 602-2026 Amend 602-2026
- 602-2026-as amended-desk copy-Final
- FINAL VERSION City Record July 24, 2026 - Page 25