AKRON, Ohio — The restructured water rates in Akron are now in effect, and city officials say the changes will be reflected on your February bill.
“Akron is increasing the water rate from $2.73 per HCF to $3.06 per HCF, which is a $0.33 raise,” city officials previously explained in a press release in November.
Residential customers will also have a fixed infrastructure charge of $9, while other customers with larger meters will see higher prices as listed in the chart below.
So what does this mean for you?
“For most Akron residents, this means the overall utility bill will increase $10-$12 per month,” according to a press release. “That increase will be from the $9 infrastructure fee and the rate increase based on average use.”
City officials say 50 percent of residential customers use 3 HCF or less per month, while 95 percent use 10 HCF or less.
“For example, a family of four using 6 HCF of water per month would see a total increase of $10.98 on their overall bill,” city officials explain.
Here’s a closer look at the math when adding in the infrastructure fee:
- $0.33 rate increase x 6HCF = $1.98
- $1.98 + $9 infrastructure fee = Total increase of $10.98
You can determine your estimated new payment by using the city’s calculator tool HERE.
“While I know that no one wants to see their bill increase, this restructuring is the responsible thing to do for Akron’s future,” former Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said in a statement when the changes were first announced. “These changes will fund necessary projects to ensure our drinking water remains of the highest quality for years to come. I’m proud of the way our team has optimized the existing system during my tenure as Mayor, but it is now time to really invest into our most precious resource: drinking water.”
The plan also includes a variety of other changes, which are outlined by the city of Akron as follows…
What are the updates?
The updates include significantly reducing the current declining block rate system which favors large use water customers, implementing a fixed infrastructure charge based on meter size, and adding a small increase to water rates which have not been raised since 2012. These updates will fund much-needed investment to Akron’s aging drinking water infrastructure. The City is also launching a brand new water affordability program for Akron residents.
Why are these changes needed?
The City of Akron has a resilient water distribution system, but it is aging and in need of investment. Much of the infrastructure is over 100 years old. We’ve seen the evidence of its age by the number of repairs needed: 9,746 water infrastructure repairs in the last five years alone. When cities don’t properly and proactively invest in their drinking water infrastructure, catastrophes can occur. We’ve seen it happen in Flint, Michigan and more recently in Jackson, Mississippi. We have consent decrees across the country including here in Akron for sewer work to protect our waterways, but we don’t have those same court order demands for drinking water infrastructure which means it is up to the municipalities to responsibly oversee their drinking water operations.
Where will the funds go?
There are several shovel ready projects that will be funded by the estimated $15 million of revenue that these changes will produce. They will be spent directly on drinking water infrastructure and sustaining the affordability program:
- Replacement of Brittain Road Reservoir (110 years old)
- Water main replacements (minimize risk of water main breaks)
- Lead service line replacement
- Akron only has 2,550 active service line connections left and plans to be lead-free by the end of 2027
- Filter Building Treatment Facility (110 years old)
What about the sewer rates?
- Sewer rates will NOT change.
- The City can commit to NOT increasing sewer rates in 2024.
In conjunction with these changes, Akron is also launching a new water affordability program, which will be open for applications starting Jan. 1.
“This program will allow eligible Akron residents to receive a 40 percent discount on the water portion of their bill (will not include sewer or curb service),” according to city officials. “That discount will cover the $4 billing charge, the $9 infrastructure charge and the water rate.”
Eligibility
Akron residents are eligible for the Water Bill Assistance program if they are a recipient of the Summit County Homestead Exemption, they have received a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) letter of participation, or they have a Percentage of Income Payment Plus (PIPP) letter of participation. This program is open to both homeowners and tenants. By opening up the program to tenants, the city estimates that 19,000 more Akron residents will be eligible for assistance. Akron water customers who are not Akron residents are not eligible for the program.
To apply:
STEP 1
- Residents much first apply to HEAP or PIPP, or have a Homestead Exemption from the County.
- If utilizing the HEAP or PIPP method of eligibility, apply through the Ohio Department of Development here.
- If utilizing the Homestead Exemption follow Summit County’s instructions to apply.
STEP 2
- Beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, the City will open up applications to the Water Bill Assistance Program. You will be able to apply online via email or by U.S. Mail or fax.