The Water Distribution Department is a division of the Service Department, administered by the Service Director, Dano Koehler.

As a State of Ohio, EPA-licensed Public Water System, the department is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 150 miles of water lines within the City.   Sites under the control of the department include two pump stations (Marsh Road and North Main Street in Munroe Falls), three water towers (Ritchie Road, Genevieve Blvd., and City Center), and the maintenance garage.  Responsibilities include the flushing, exercising, and maintenance of nearly 2100 fire hydrants and 2800 valves, and 13,000 service taps.   Normal operations also include the monthly reading of water meters. 

As the City of Stow embarks on the change-over to a remote radio read system, complete with new water meters, this practice will be modernized.  The outmoded practice of walking through neighborhoods, and the reading of analog remote reading devices, prone to failure over time, will come to an end.  The replacement of aging water meters, which characteristically slow their registration capabilities over time, will improve usage accountability. Actual consumption data will result in accurate billing, and eliminate the need for estimated billing.

There are four critical safeguards for a water system. These are:

1. Continuous positive pressure.  The department strives to maintain adequate pressure in all areas of the system.  Pressures will vary with the cycling of the pumps, but are also affected by fires, hydrant flushing, and water main breaks.  A prompt and efficient response to a water main break is crucial.  As the system continues to age, the water lines become vulnerable to failure.   On the positive side, the newly implemented ‘water fee’ has been instrumental in the replacement of approximately 7,500 feet of water line and the installation of 22 new fire hydrants in recent years.  The areas affected to date by this installation were portions of Lillian and Arndale Roads.  As funds allow, the City is dedicated to continuing this program of line replacement; prioritizing by age, condition, and fire flow data.
2. Chlorine residuals.  The department maintains a daily monitoring schedule of chlorine residuals throughout the water system.  Monitoring sites are recorded with, and approved by, the Ohio EPA and represent all areas of the City. 
3. Backflow prevention/Cross Connection Control.  With the inception of the Stow Public Water System in November of 2001, a vigorous Backflow Prevention Program was begun.  The goal of the program is to insure that any perceived hazard to the quality of the water system is isolated and the water system protected from contamination.  This program requires on-site inspections of all sites where a potential hazard may exist.  When any potential hazard is identified, the user/customer is directed to install a backflow prevention device.  The program assures that all devices are installed, as directed, not removed or made inoperable, and are tested on an annual basis, as required by law.  Comprehensive records are maintained for all sites and devices within the system. Click here for more information
4. Frequent testing.  Water Operators adhere to an EPA-directed schedule of testing.  Bacteria sampling is performed on a monthly basis.   Samples are required from thirty (30) sites each month.  The sites are recorded and approved by the EPA.  Sampling is also performed for the presence of disinfection by-products (total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids 5).  A total of 16 tests are required and are performed on a quarterly basis.