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District Board Approves Marginal Rate Increase For 2024
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.
Treatment Provider Update
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. More information on these rates is available at NWWSD.org. Below is a summary of treatment provider rate information:
Toledo Water & 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 & Sewer
The rate for Oregon water will increase by 8%. No increase to the sewer treatment rate is expected until 2025.
Bowling Green Water & Sewer
BG has no rate increases approved at this time. Rate changes may occur following a rate study later this year.
Perrysburg Water & 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.
Investing in your Water & Sewer Service
We are committed to providing you with safe and reliable water and sewer services. That's why we have allocated $26 million for 2024 to improve our water and sewer infrastructure. Some of the major projects we are planning this year are:
- A $12 million project to construct new water and sewer lines along Dunbridge Road and State Route 582. This will benefit the residents of Dunbridge by connecting them to the public sewer system and giving them access to public water. The project will begin in the fall of 2024.
- A $2.4 million project to upgrade the sewer system in Rossford. This will enhance the capacity and efficiency of the sewer network and reduce the risk of overflows and backups.
- A $1.1 million project to rehabilitate the sewer system in Perrysburg Township. This will extend the lifespan of the sewer pipes and prevent leaks and breaks.
- A $1 million partnership with various villages and townships in Wood County to identify lead service lines. This will ensure the quality and safety of our region's drinking water.
These are just some of the 42 projects we have planned for 2024 to support our water and sewer network. We appreciate your support and cooperation as we work to deliver the best service possible to you. For more information about our projects, go to NWWSD.org.
Announcements
District Board of Trustees Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 7:30 a.m. Join us at our main office at 12560 Middleton Pike in Bowling Green, Ohio.