Northwestern Water and Sewer District Rate Study
Bowling Green, Ohio
At The Northwestern Water and Sewer District (The District), there is nothing more important than providing our customers with safe water at a reasonable cost.
Perhaps one of the largest issues facing the water industry in the United States today is how households will continue to pay for increased costs for water and sewer systems. A national survey shows water rates increasing in 30 U.S. cities. Locally, it’s no different.
That is why The District is commissioning a formal rate study. We are currently seeking an outside, independent consultant to investigate the possibility of a customer assistance program and to look into an equal rate for all customers, including residential, multi-family, business, and industrial. The rate study will also consider inflation and other potential future cost increases facing water and sewer utilities. The study will provide a ten-year plan for future water and sewer rates.
According to District President Jerry Greiner, “Affordability, aging infrastructure, and increasing regulations are all challenges for any water & sewer utility; that is why we are looking at our entire rate system, to see if we can assist lower-income users or help large consumers to take care of those who can’t afford the system or may be forced to lose their business.”
We estimate the review of our current rate and billing structure will be complete by the fall of 2019.