Rural Lorain County Water Authority

Prior to the formation of RLCWA and construction of the water system, residents of southern Lorain county and surrounding areas were unable to depend upon ground water or other sources of potable water and thus relied upon cisterns, individual wells and tank deliveries to supply their water needs. The leaders of the communities that constituted the original Authority members met in the fall of 1973 to discuss their collective water needs.

The Authority was formed in 1973 pursuant to Chapter 6119 of the Ohio Revised Code upon petition of sixteen townships and two villages by Preliminary Judgment Entry of the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas. After compliance with all requirements of the Preliminary Entry, a final Judgment was entered in April 1974. Upon formation, the Authority adopted a set of rules and regulations that established the respective responsibilities and duties of the Authority and its customers and by-laws that provide for the internal governance.

Geographically, the water system is currently comprised of all or part of 21 contiguous Ohio townships, four villages and one city primarily located in Lorain County, Ohio. The total land area of these townships, villages and city is in excess of 680 square miles.

The customer base of the Authority has consistently grown from its original size of approximately 5000 customers in 1978 to its present size of over 20,000 residential customers, 119 large meter customers and 10 regular bulk users.

As we continue in the 21st century, RLCWA employs the latest technology to efficiently manage and maintain its water distribution system, including the use of sophisticated telemetry equipment and satellite mapping in order to have a constantly up-to-date picture of its infrastructure.  Moreover, it regularly trains its staff on the latest advancements in water system maintenance and operation, as well as job-site safety techniques. 

And RLCWA is no stranger to 1926(b) litigation, having been a party to several cases brought under the Act to protect its service territory from municipal agression.  Notaby, RLCWA has prevailed in each of these cases, and serves as an often referenced case in many other 1926(b) actions throughout the country.  Moreover, under General Manager, Tim Mahoney's leadership, RLCWA has entered into cooperative agreements with neighboring municipalities, which result in no net loss of revenue where the muncipality seeks to serve customers arguably within RLCWA's service territory.  These agreements have expeditiously resolved disputes and have served as models for other rural water associations experiencing similar agressive tactics.