Many Akron residents on the west side woke up today to an unwelcome surprise: a precautionary boil-water order after a 12-inch water main gave out before dawn, dropping system pressure and rattling morning routines. City crews moved quickly to isolate the break and start repairs while officials urged people to stick to boiled or bottled water for drinking and cooking.
The main ruptured around 3 a.m. at Superior Avenue and Leonard Street, and the city reported that the Sherbondy Hill elevated tank dropped to levels that reduced pressure for many customers. The precautionary boil order covers an estimated 10,000 Akron Water customers on the west side as repairs continue, according to Cleveland19.
EPA guidance on lead and flushing
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that boiling water does not remove lead and warns that residents should rely on cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. The agency also recommends running taps for 30 seconds to three minutes after water has been sitting in the pipes and cleaning faucet aerators to help flush out any lead that may have leached into standing water, according to the U.S. EPA.
City instructions and timeline
Akron Water is advising that any water used for drinking or cooking be brought to a full rolling boil for two minutes, then cooled to a safe temperature before use. Officials say the advisory will stay in place until further notice and for at least 18 to 24 hours after repairs are completed and normal pressure is restored. Crews are expected to finish the main repair today afternoon, and the city is warning that customers could see discolored water or a short-term increase in lead levels as lines are refilled, according to Cleveland19.
Infrastructure context
The break highlights the strain on Akron’s aging water distribution system. The city’s 2023–2027 capital plan lays out water and sewer investments, including an annual program to replace problem-prone mains and rehabilitate storage tanks to boost reliability and water quality. Details on funding and scheduled work for older mains and facilities are outlined in the plan from the City of Akron.
What residents should do now
Until the boil advisory is lifted, households with infants, pregnant women or immunocompromised family members are urged to stick to bottled or properly boiled water for drinking and for mixing baby formula. The U.S. EPA also advises running cold-water taps and avoiding hot-water lines for any water that will be consumed, according to the U.S. EPA. Residents should monitor official city channels for updates and contact the water utility with any questions or concerns.
