The following links provide perspectives on the factors influencing water and sewer rates at the national/regional level. Information includes graphs and podcasts.
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.
Our drinking water and wastewater treatment service providers include:
Treatment Provider Updates for 2023
Toledo Water and Sewer
Through 2027, rates established by the Toledo Regional Water Commission will impact customers as Toledo water rates are equalized for communities purchasing their water. All customers who receive Toledo water will see an increase in water. There are no increases to your sewer charge if your wastewater is treated by the City of Toledo.
Oregon Water and Sewer
Customers with water supplied by and wastewater treated by the City of Oregon will not have an increase.
Bowling Green Water and Sewer
The City of Bowling Green approved an increase in water and sewer rates for 2023.
Napoleon Water
The City of Napoleon approved a rate increase for water in 2023.
Perrysburg Water and Sewer
District customers with water provided by the City of Perrysburg and sewer treated by Perrysburg will see an increase in rates in 2023.
Lucas County Sewer
No additional provider charges are expected at this time.
City of Fostoria
Customers with water and sewer supplied by the City of Fostoria may see a change in rates in March 2023.
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 planned capital and operating needs for that year. All of our costs, from capital infrastructure projects to daily operations to emergency work, are paid for solely by rates and fees, not taxes.
Each year, The District reviews the costs of operations, inflation, fuel, materials, and labor in order to establish our rates. Rates must also maintain debt service coverage, maintain bond covenants, and cover the cost of emergency repairs.
For 2023, the board approved a 3.74% increase in District water rates and 3.04% increase for District sewer charges. This reflects a total increase of only $3.02 in District charges per month for 1,000 cubic feet of usage.
According to Board Chairman, Mark Sheffer “Today, 20,000 households and businesses across Northwest Ohio benefit from our current water and sewer system. It’s our responsibility to not only care for this system but prepare it to meet future challenges – all while keeping rates as low as good service will allow.”
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 2023, customers of most water and sewer treatment providers will see increases.
| District Charges *per 1,000 cubic feet | 2022 | 2023 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Water per Month | $39.35 | $40.82 | + $1.47 |
| District Sewer per Month | $51.04 | $52.59 | + $1.55 |
| Total per Month | $90.39 | $93.41 | + $3.02 |
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.
A rate structure is how you are charged for water and wastewater services. The rate is the amount you are charged.
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.
