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Public Utilities Bureau |
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Source Water Protection The City of Akron has taken actions for many years to protect its source of water, the Upper Cuyahoga River, and has long been recognized for this proactive policy. Ohio EPA completed an assessment of Akron’s source water area in April, 2003 in which they recommended that Akron continue its protection program that includes land acquisition, watershed monitoring and reporting of pollution sources, collaboration with upstream landowners, and Akron’s management policies of its Watershed Property. The report identified numerous point and nonpoint sources of pollution, including wastewater treatment plants, agriculture, development and public highways and further identified numerous "potential contaminant sources" within a "corridor management zone" that consists of an approximate 10-mile reach of the river upstream of Akron’s water plant intakes at Lake Rockwell. Akron Watershed Property
The reservoirs and Akron’s surrounding Watershed Property are managed to obtain optimal water supply, which is provided by minimal landuse, natural vegetation and undisturbed soils. By protecting and preserving the watershed in the most natural state possible, the reservoirs and the Cuyahoga River gain the benefit of a natural living filter. The vegetation of grasses, shrubs and forests filter out sediment, nutrients, pesticides and other pollutants, and the undisturbed soils are able to absorb stormwater and moderate its runoff. The establishment, wise management and preservation of a natural watershed will continue to provide an ample supply of high quality water for Akron and the surrounding communities that depend upon Akron for their water supply. Security Security of the dams, reservoirs, water treatment plant and other facilities is critical to Akron’s ability to continuously provide an ample supply of water to the 280,000 people who rely upon its water supply system. Fencing, surveillance cameras, patrols and agreements with local authorities provide security to Akron’s water supply system that extends over three counties and across many rural areas. Security plans are in place requiring identified actions that are correlated to Department of Homeland Security protocol. Recreation Akron recognizes public interest in outdoor recreation and offers controlled activities on the majority of its Watershed Property. It is important to enjoy your time on this protected property in a safe and environmentally sound manner that will enhance its natural attributes and protect Akron’s water supply. Please enjoy the beauty and serenity these areas offer, but remember: it is everyone's responsibility to share in the stewardship of our natural resources. The City of Akron and the Division of Wildlife, ODNR entered into a long-term agreement in early 2006 for the Division to manage public recreation on much of Akron’s Watershed Property. Additionally, Akron has provided a long term agreement to the Geauga County Park District for public recreation at Akron’s East Branch Reservoir and surrounding land. The City of Akron’s Recreation Bureau rents boats and boat mooring stakes at Mogadore Reservoir. For more information contact them at 330.375.2859, the Mogadore Boathouse at 330.628.2672, or http://official.ci.akron.oh.us/rec.html.
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Akron owns and manages approximately 19,000 acres of land in the
Upper Cuyahoga River watershed, including four reservoirs used to temporarily store runoff
water. The land provides protection of the river from pollution, recharge of groundwater
supplies, and attenuates the runoff that occurs during storm events. The reservoirs
provide flood control to downstream areas, and replenish the river’s flow during dry
periods of summer and fall. Both the land and the reservoirs provide significant natural
habitat for many species of plants, animals, insects and other species. 
Watershed
Office