Akron to raise water rates in 2027 to fund infrastructure upgrades

Akron's water rates are changing beginning next year to support infrastructure upgrades throughout the city. The current flat-rate water fee for most households is $9 per month. That rate will rise to $12 in February. Akron Director of Public Service Chris Ludle said infrastructure upgrades have become a top priority following several watermain breaks and boil advisories this year.

Some of our system is a hundred years plus and it's time to invest in water. Ludle emphasized it's cheaper for the city to make planned infrastructure improvements than it is to make emergency repairs. As of yesterday morning, we had 439 watermain breaks across the city. We had boil advisories, numerous ones. I don't see these slowing down, so for 2026 we're gonna be over 500 watermain breaks.

The plan from the city includes al $3 increase each year to the infrastructure fee beginning next year and continuing through 2029. There's also an incremental 20 percent increase each year for every unit of water a household uses. The total of the increases will amount to an additional $5 on each bill for an average household.

The city presented the changes to city council at the public service, public utility and green committee on Monday. Ludle also said it's important to implement the rate increases now, rather than later. The city estimates if it waited until 2028, the average $5 increase would instead jump to $8.50.

In a press release sent by the city on Monday, Mayor Shammas Malik said drinking water is one of the most essential services the city provides. Generations before us built this system, and our water crews work every day to keep it running. We have a responsibility to invest in replacing aging infrastructure so it can continue serving our community for generations to come. Malik also urged people who are feeling the burden of the increased rates to apply for assistance through the city's Water Bill Assistance Program. Sewer and trash bills are also included in the water bill, but aren't part of the planned increase.