The Lakengren Water Authority (LWA) is a State of Ohio political subdivision, governed by ORC 6119. The LWA provides reliable, economical and environmentally responsible water and sewer service to the people of Lakengren. We are accountable to the EPA with whom we are in regular contact.
The LWA operates a water treatment plant and a wastewater treatment plant.
- The water operations include 3 wells, 26 miles of water supply lines, two 200,000-gallon water towers and 1,446 water connections. We can treat up to 780,000 gallons of water daily. In 2024 we delivered 69 million gallons of fresh water to the community.
- The wastewater facility has an on-site lab, 4 clarifiers, 26 miles of sewer lines, 149 grinder pumps and 4 lift stations that are a continual part of the maintenance work. The wastewater plant’s maximum throughput is 600,000 gallons daily. In addition, there are 2 million gallons of “overflow” storage capacity. There are 1455 sewer connections. In 2024 we treated 116 million gallons of wastewater.
Our dedicated team consists of two Class One Ohio EPA Water Certified Operators, three Class One Ohio EPA Wastewater Certified Operators, one Office Manager/Fiscal Officer, one Customer Service Rep and a General Manager who is Class One Ohio EPA Water Certified and Class Two Ohio EPA Wastewater Certified.
Fiscal year 2024 ended on solid financial grounds. All financial data is available at the LWA office for your review. Our results are audited annually to ensure we comply with generally accepted accounting standards.
Key 2024 projects completed:
- SEWER
- Performed Rainwater Infiltration Detection via smoke testing
- Improved alert systems on all Lift Stations
- Replaced 3 complete Grinder Pump systems with new Stainless-steel systems
- Engaged Mote & Associates in the Redesign of our four Lift Stations
- WATER
- Acquired new Valve Turning Equipment via an EPA grant
- Began research studies for Replacement Water Meters
- GENERAL/ADMIN
- Executed a Rate Increase
- Converted of customer accounts to Email billing
- Replaced 20-year-old service truck
In 2025, our project work will focus on:
- Completion of the Lift Station redesign and funding
- Replace 10 complete Grinder Pump systems with new Stainless-steel systems
- Replace Water Plant Filter control
- Continue to investigate and remediate rain infiltration problems
- Continue converting customers to Email billing and Auto Payment
- Continue to provide good clean drinking water and sewer service with reliable service and reasonable rates
Submitted by Joseph Flesch on behalf of the Lakengren Water Authority.
LWA Board of Trustees
Joseph Flesch, Chairman
Joel Guthrie, Secretary
Earl Mullins, Treasurer