Higher Water Use Helps Limit District Rate Increase
The Northwestern Water and Sewer District (The District) is a self-supporting regional public utility that operates primarily by what customers pay for service. Most revenue comes from user charges, including water and sewer operation and maintenance costs, fees, and assessments. These charges are set through a detailed cost analysis to ensure they reflect the actual cost of providing service.
Investing in our infrastructure - which includes more than 491 miles of water distribution pipe, 11 water towers, 377 miles of sewer line and 14 wastewater treatment facilities - is critical to delivering 6.7 million gallons of water and treating 864,000 gallons of wastewater daily to more than 20,000 homes and businesses across Northwest Ohio.
In December, the Board of Trustees approved the 2026 operating and capital budgets, which include a small rate adjustment.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the average residential customer will see an increase of about $1.45 per month: approximately 35 cents for water and $1.10 for sewer, for a customer using an average of 7,500 gallons of water per month. The District portion of the bill will be about $45.34 for water and $58.05 for sewer. The new rates will be reflected in your January bill.
Treatment Provider Increases
Each community in the Northwestern Water and Sewer District has its own unique rate structure, established when it joined The District. Your water and/or sewer treatment is provided by a separate entity such as the City of Toledo, Bowling Green, or Lucas County—and we pass their charges directly to you without markup. When these providers adjust their rates (which they set independently), it can affect your bill. We're here to help you understand your bill. CLICK HERE for example bills specific to your community, or call us at 1-877-354-9090 (weekdays 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) with questions
District Capital Budget
The District’s 2026 capital budget is $32 million. This budget focuses on replacing older water and sewer mains and improving the water distribution network and wastewater treatment facilities. It is designed to maintain reliable service, support community growth, and protect public health. Specific projects include:
- $2.2 million to replace a waterline on Woodville Road in Northwood
- $1.5 million for valve repairs on a concrete watermain in Perrysburg Township
- $600,000 for improvements at the Tontogany and Williamsburg wastewater treatment plants.
- $275,000 for water tower improvements in Weston and Henry Township.
District Operating Budget
The 2026 operating budget of $39 million helps to ensure safe, reliable water and sewer services 365 days a year. It covers the costs for infrastructure maintenance, wastewater treatment plant operations, personnel salaries, health insurance, equipment repairs, fuel, vehicles, electric costs, system upgrades, water quality testing, and regulatory compliance.