How Rates are Set
The cost to deliver water to your faucet and to treat wastewater can be impacted by:
- Inflation
- Costs of materials
- Labor costs
As these costs rise, our prices must reflect the cost of providing safe, clean water.
How We Plan For the Long-Term
- Investments made in our water and wastewater system responsibly and gradually.
- Annual budget based on the planned capital and operating needs for that year
- All our costs are paid for solely by rates and fees, not through taxes
- Rate adjustments are voted on in December of each year and implemented on customer bills at the beginning of the following year
- The District continues re-investing in its water infrastructure to keep pace with inflation and other cost increases.
Visit our FAQ’s page to view frequently asked questions regarding rates.
Understanding Rates
The water bill you pay ensures we can continue to provide you—and generations to come—with the high-quality water service you receive today.
- We receive no revenue from tax dollars.
- Our rates are based on the costs to purchase and deliver water and sewer services to you.
- We continually reinvest the money we get from your water bill to maintain and upgrade the pipes, pump stations, and other infrastructure that allow us to deliver safe reliable water, and remove wastewater.
A rate structure is how you are charged for water and wastewater services. The rate is the amount you are charged.
- As The District has expanded over the past two decades, we have gradually absorbed a variety of rate structures and funding models to avoid disruptions in customer service or billing.
- Your bill may consist of several different charges depending on your location.
In general, The District’s rate structure for both water and wastewater is made up of a service charge plus a volumetric water usage rate based on how many gallons of water you use.
- The service charge covers the cost of billing, meter reading, and administration and is based on your meter size.
- The volumetric rate for both water and wastewater services covers the annual operation, maintenance, and improvement of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
At The District, we plan for the long term, making investments in our water and wastewater systems responsibly and gradually. We develop an annual budget based on the upcoming year's planned capital and operating needs. Our costs, from capital infrastructure projects to daily operations to emergency work, are paid solely by rates and fees, not taxes.
The District reviews the costs of operations, inflation, fuel, materials, and labor each year to establish our rates. Rates must also maintain debt service coverage, maintain bond covenants, and cover emergency repairs.
For 2024, the board approved a 5.32% increase in District water and a 4.32% increase in District sewer charges. This reflects a total increase of only $4.44 in monthly District charges for 1,000 cubic feet of usage.
The rate increase is necessary due to inflation and the rising cost of building materials, fuel, and labor expenses. Board Chairman Douglas Miller said, "Our current water and sewer system serves 20,000 households and businesses in Northwest Ohio. We have a duty to maintain this system and prepare it for future needs – while keeping the rates as affordable as possible."
Your water and sewer bill is split into two parts: District operations and maintenance charges and treatment provider charges. Treatment provider charges will vary depending on where you live. In 2024, customers of some water and sewer treatment providers will see increases.
| District Charges *per 1,000 cubic feet | 2023 | 2024 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Water per Month | $40.82 | $42.99 | + $2.17 |
| District Sewer per Month | $52.59 | $54.86 | + $2.27 |
| Total per Month | $93.41 | $97.85 | + $4.44 |
In addition to the cost of maintaining the lines The District uses to deliver clean water or remove and treat wastewater, there is also a charge from your local water or sewer treatment provider.
- Depending on your location, you will see an additional charge for your treatment service provider.
- The District factors in these services to you as part of your monthly water bill.
Our drinking water and wastewater treatment service providers include:
- City of Toledo
- City of Bowling Green
- City of Perrysburg
- City of Oregon
- City of Fostoria
- City of Napoleon
- Village of North Baltimore
Treatment Provider Updates for 2024
Toledo Water and Sewer
Through 2027, rates established by the Toledo Regional Water Commission are equalized for communities purchasing Toledo water. There is no increase to Toledo sewer charge at this time.
Oregon Water and Sewer
The rate for Oregon water will increase by 8%. No increase to the sewer treatment rate is expected until 2025.
Bowling Green Water and Sewer
BG has no rate increases approved at this time. Rate changes may occur following a rate study later this year.
Napoleon Water
The City of Napoleon approved a rate increase for water in 2024.
Perrysburg Water and Sewer
Customers served by Perrysburg water will see a 3% increase in water and 2% increase in sewer treatment costs.
Lucas County Sewer
No additional provider charges are expected at this time.
The following links provide perspectives on the factors influencing water and sewer rates at the national/regional level. Information includes graphs and podcasts.
- Speaking of Water – The Price of Water 2019 – Brett Walton, Circleofblue, July 2019.
- Rate Survey: Water Cost Increases Outpacing other U.S. Goods and Services – American Water Works Association, Connections, May 9, 2019.
