Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Partner for Sewer Repairs
Cleveland is partnering with Cuyahoga County to improve how the city handles essential sewer maintenance and emergency repairs. Through the recently passed emergency ordinance, File No. 455-2026, the Director of Public Utilities is authorized to enter into a utility repair agreement with the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works to address storm and sanitary sewer lines on an as-needed basis.
What's in the file
The agreement allows the Division of Water to utilize the county's specialized expertise and equipment, such as vacuum machines for excavations and cleaning vaults, to improve efficiency when repairing damaged lines. This partnership is specifically intended to assist when water main breaks cause secondary damage to the sewer system that may be challenging for city crews to complete alone.
According to the 455-2026-Legislative Summary-Cuyahoga County Agreement, the scope of work includes:
- Repairing storm and sanitary sewers located in public rights-of-way and easements.
- Handling storm and sanitary service connections and laterals.
- Performing necessary backfill.
The agreement establishes a two-year term with a one-year option to renew. Funding for these services will be drawn from the Division of Water’s operating budget.
| Period | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $60,000 |
| Year 2 | $60,000 |
| Total | $120,000 |
Who may be affected
- Division of Water: Will utilize the agreement for repairs and fund the services through its operating budget.
- Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works: Will provide specialized equipment, expertise, and labor for sewer repairs.
- Residents in service areas: May experience more efficient repairs to storm and sanitary sewer lines, particularly following water main breaks.
Status and timeline
The legislation has passed through City Council as an emergency ordinance.
Please verify these details at the source
Residents can verify all information regarding this partnership by reviewing the official record at the Cleveland City Council website.
Source record
- File
- 455-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- April 1, 2026
Official documents
- 455-2026 K w County for Utilities Repair Ag for storm and sanitary sewer lines
- 455-2026-Legislative Summary-Cuyahoga County Agreement
- 455-2026 FINAL VERSION-CITY RECORD MAY 22, 2026 PG. 109