- Akron
- Published: Dec. 23, 2025, 11:08 a.m.

AKRON, Ohio – The metropolis of Akron connected Tuesday announced it has completed nan removal of lead waterlines successful nan metropolis – totaling much than 55,000.
“We’re highly proud of being 1 of nan first cities of our property and size to beryllium wholly lead-line free,” Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said successful a news release. “In 2024, nan Biden management issued a last norm requiring drinking h2o systems crossed nan state to place and switch each lead pipes wrong 10 years. This milestone puts Akron measurement up of that schedule.”
In 1986, nan Safe Drinking Water Act was amended to prohibit nan installation of lead pipes successful nationalist h2o systems. Lead is simply a harmful neurotoxin that tin origin long-term harm, according to nan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Akron’s activity to region lead pipes started successful nan 1960s nether then-Public Utilities Bureau Manager David Crandell.
The metropolis had much than 55,000 lead work lines successful 1960, according to nan release. By 1964, nan metropolis began replacing astir 1,000 lead and galvanized alloy work lines each year.
The metropolis will now move guardant pinch replacing galvanized pipes that were antecedently connected to nan lead lines. The metropolis is readying to person that activity completed by nan extremity of 2027, according to a news release.
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Megan Becka is simply a freelance newsman covering Akron and Summit County news for cleveland.com. Her activity covers a wide scope of topics that effect region residents including: government, education, healthcare and...