Continued Investment in Sewer Projects Spurs Slight Rate Hike in Water, Sewer Bills

As municipalities continue to try to meet the challenges of aging water and sewer infrastructure — while complying with EPA mandates — increases on water and sewer rates will continue to be the norm around Northeast Ohio.

Lakewood finds itself in the same situation.

In December 2016, the city administration and Lakewood City Council agreed to slightly increase water and sewer rates effective January 2017. Customers have already begun receiving statements with the new rates.

Sewer rates will increase 11.5 percent over 2016 rates—from $5.58 per ccf to $6.20 per ccf (approximately $0.83 per 100 gallons). The sewer bill increase is required for the city of Lakewood to continue to develop and implement strategies for compliance with the regulations required by the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972.

Lakewood continues to work with Ohio EPA and US EPA to develop and implement a plan of measures to further control combined sewer overflows into Lake Erie and the Rocky River. The city is currently modeling its sewer system to develop appropriate, cost-effective, and environmentally sound solutions to combined sewer overflows that can best integrate with other infrastructure efforts. (Check out the Clean Water Lakewood initiative to learn more)

Water rates increased 10 cents, from $6.34 to $6.44 per ccf (approximately $0.86 per 100 gallons). The increases will help fund various capital improvement projects.

There is a Special Homestead Exemption that reduces water and sewer bill charges for any homeowner who is 65 years of age or older—or is permanently disabled—with a total household income below $35,000 per year. If you feel you may qualify, if you would like to setup monthly ACH payments, or if you have any other questions, please contact the City of Lakewood’s Division of Utility Billing at (216) 529-6820 and select option No. 2.

Residents are able to pay their water and sewer bills online at: www.onelakewood.com.