Investment in Sewer Projects Spurs Rate Hike

As municipalities attempt to meet the challenges of aging water and sewer infrastructure — while complying with EPA mandates — increases on sewer rates will continue to be the norm around Northeast Ohio.

Lakewood is no different.

On December 21, 2015, the city administration and Lakewood City Council agreed to increase sewer rates effective January 1, 2016. Customers will begin receiving bills with the new rates starting mid-January to early February.

Sewer rates will increase 12.5 percent over 2015 rates—from $4.96 per ccf to $5.58 per ccf (approximately $0.75 per 100 gallons). The sewer bill increase is required for the city of Lakewood to continue to develop and implement strategies for compliance with the regulations required by the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972. Lakewood continues to work with Ohio EPA and US EPA to develop and implement a plan of measures to further control combined sewer overflows into Lake Erie and the Rocky River. The city is currently modeling its sewer system to develop appropriate, cost-effective, and environmentally sound solutions to combined sewer overflows that can best integrate with other infrastructure efforts.

Water rates—currently $6.34 per ccf—will remain unchanged in 2016 (approximately $0.85 per 100 gallons). There is a Special Homestead Exemption that reduces water and sewer bill charges for any homeowner who is 65 years of age or older—or is permanently disabled—with a total household income below $35,000 per year. If you feel you may qualify, if you would like to setup monthly ACH payments, or if you have any other questions, please contact the City of Lakewood’s Division of Utility Billing at (216) 529-6820 and select option No. 2.

You can now pay your water and sewer bill online at: www.onelakewood.com.