Wadsworth considers contract for water treatment capacity study

WADSWORTH — Wadsworth officials are taking another step toward increasing the city's water treatment capacity, with Wadsworth City Council considering a contract of up to $296,000 for engineering design services related to a high-rate demonstration study. The study is intended to determine whether the city's existing water treatment infrastructure can process a greater volume of water without requiring significant additional improvements, according to a discussion during Wednesday's Council meeting. During the meeting, a city official explained that the study will examine whether the city's infrastructure already has sufficient capacity to handle higher daily water production or whether additional improvements are necessary. The proposed contract authorization, outlined in Ordinance 26-175, would allow the director of public service to enter into an agreement for engineering design services not to exceed $296,000. Council moved the ordinance to second reading on Wednesday. The legislation had previously been discussed during an Aug. 11 Public Service Committee meeting. The study is part of a larger, multiyear project intended to increase the city's water treatment capacity without constructing an entirely new treatment plant. During an October capital projects work session, city officials described the project as a series of phases involving improvements to the existing facility. Officials said the work is intended to help the city meet future water needs while maintaining its ability to provide safe drinking water. The city's proposed capital project timeline calls for construction of the second phase to be completed in 2027. The city also anticipates beginning or completing construction on the third phase in 2027, with the fourth phase scheduled for 2028. Officials described the project as an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency mandate related to the city's ability to provide safe drinking water and meet regulatory requirements. The city is also looking to use financing through the Ohio EPA's Water Supply Revolving Loan Account program to help pay for the improvements, rather than relying on traditional market-rate borrowing. Completing the project could allow Wadsworth to increase its water production and treatment capacity without rebuilding the existing plant, officials said during the work session. The proposed $296,000 contract represents an engineering step in that broader effort. The study is expected to help determine what additional capacity the existing infrastructure can accommodate and what improvements may still be necessary. The ordinance had not received final approval as of Wednesday's meeting. Contact Brooke Adams at 440-822-8373 or badams@medina-gazette.com.