Lakewood Mayor Receives Environmental Award

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers has been selected for the 2020 National Environmental Award for Local Public Service. The award is given by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and recognizes Summers' commitment to Lakewood's Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan.

Summers' plan to improve the city's sewer system and meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act has seen several infrastructure updates over the past several years, including water main replacements throughout the city and possibly adapting the Cove Church site into a storm water management site.

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of Lakewood; it recognizes our trailblazing approach to achieve results that are both environmentally and financially responsible,” said Summers. “The Integrated Wet Weather Improvement plan is a result of over 15 talented, dedicated people working hard for over a decade. We are delivering greater water quality benefits for Lake Erie and the Rocky River at a price that is reasonable for our citizens.”

These improvements haven't been without their cost, however. Water and sewer bills increased for residents in 2017, 2018 and 2019. In early 2018, water rates went up 5 percent, while sewer rates were raised 10 percent. Then, on Jan. 1, 2019, the water rate increased from $6.76/ccf (100 cubic feet) to $7.13/ccf. Sewer rates increased from $6.82/ccf (100 cubic feet) to $7.50/ccf.

City officials said the increased rates would fund infrastructure improvements around the city.

More information on the city's wet weather plan can be found online.