Akron Water Bills Rise Three Straight Years as City Counters Record Main Breaks

Akron's drinking water bill for a typical household will grow from about $25 a month to $42 by 2029 under a three-year rate schedule the city announced for 2027, 2028 and 2029. The drinking water portion of the bill reaches $30 in 2027, $36 in 2028 and $42 in 2029. The first increase takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, and shows up on February bills. Sewer and trash rates are not part of the increases.

The city ties the schedule to its aging network. About 35% of Akron's water mains are more than 90 years old, and the water treatment plant opened in 1915. Akron recorded 403 water main breaks in 2025, a record at the time. The city reported 444 breaks as of its announcement this year, and Service Director Chris Ludle said the total could reach 500 by the end of 2026. "We anticipate we're going to hit 500 this year, which is actually more than we've ever had," Ludle said. Four boil-water advisories have affected customers this year.

Ludle said Akron has raised drinking water rates once in roughly the past decade while directing money to federally required sewer system work. "We have to be proactive, and unfortunately, we know gas prices, we know food prices and everything else is going up, but it's just like we have to maintain a water system," Ludle said.

The new rates raise annual spending on water main replacement from about $3 million to at least $5 million. Revenue also covers water treatment, transmission and storage repairs, daily operations and about $153 million in existing drinking water debt. The city said waiting until 2028 to start raising rates could cost an additional $9 million per year.

Akron resident Linda Lanier paid $64 for water on her most recent utility bill. After sewer charges and other fees, she said the total came to nearly $350. "The water, the bills are already high," Lanier said. "My reaction is honestly, it's too much. It's too much." She said households are already weighing food against rent. "We have people here now, they have to choose already between eating and rent and now they're going to choose between water," Lanier said.

Chris Sedlock owns The Daily Pressed, a coffee shop and cocktail lounge in Downtown Akron, along with an ice cream stand. He expects his water costs to rise. "The question is when does it stop?" Sedlock said. "If it goes up, will I still even be in business when it finally is fixed and prices go down, if they will ever go down?"

Mayor Shammas Malik said the investment is necessary while acknowledging the strain on households. "Safe, reliable drinking water is one of the most essential services our city provides," Malik said. "We have a responsibility to invest in replacing aging infrastructure so it can continue serving our community for generations to come."

The city considers about 400 cubic feet, or roughly 3,000 gallons, per month typical household usage, and actual charges vary by use. Qualifying households can apply through the Water Bill Assistance Program; Utility Customer Service can be reached at 330-375-2554. Akron is separately seeking outside help to develop a long-term plan for its drinking water system, and officials said that effort is not funded by the new rates. Lanier said she worries about her own household. "These are basic supplies. These are things we have to live with, and many people can't maintain," Lanier said. "And I'm afraid we may be one of those people."