Facing a shut-off notice for your water or sewer utilities or mounting bills can be very stressful. Fortunately, there are places to turn. In Summit County, several assistance programs help residents cover water and sewer bills.
Navigating these programs isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve never applied before. They often have specific eligibility requirements and require you to submit documentation.
To help you through the process, this guide will break down the water/sewer bill assistance programs available to Akron and Summit County residents, including program qualifications and how to apply.
Are you an Akron resident wondering about the easiest ways to pay your water bill? You’re not alone! Many of us struggle with remembering due dates or finding the most convenient payment method. I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the Akron water bill payment system without the headache.
What Services Does the Akron Utilities Business Office Handle?
Before we dive into payment methods, it’s important to understand what you’re actually paying for. The Akron Utilities Business Office manages billing for:
- Water service
- Sewer service
- Refuse collection (trash)
- Recycling pick-up
All these services appear on your combined utility bill, which is why it’s sometimes confusing for newcomers to the city.
Multiple Ways to Pay Your Akron Water Bill
The city of Akron offers several convenient options for paying your utility bill, Here’s a breakdown of each method
1. Online Payment
The quickest and most convenient way to pay is through the city’s official online portal You can access it by
- Visiting http://www.akronohio.gov/billpay
- Using the “Pay My Bill” button on the city website
Important Warning: The city specifically mentions that using other online payment providers may delay your payment posting and could result in service disconnection. Stick to the official channels!
When paying online, you’ll need to log in through WebConnect, where you can choose between Standard Access or Premium Access.
Premium vs. Standard Access
The online payment portal offers two levels of access:
- Premium Access: Requires registration but provides more features
- Standard Access: Quicker access for basic bill payment
Premium Access allows you to:
- View account information
- Sign up for ebill (paperless billing)
- Manage payment methods
- Set up recurring donations to Akron Cares
2. Phone Payment
Need to pay quickly? Call (330) 375-2554 between 8:00am and 4:00pm to make a payment over the phone.
Note: Effective January 18, 2023, convenience fees are charged for phone payments:
- $0.80 for electronic check payments
- $2.15 for credit card payments
3. Mail Payment
You can mail your check or money order to:
Akron Utilities Business OfficePO Box 3674Akron, OH 44309When mailing your payment:
- Include your account number on the check
- Include the bottom portion of your bill (remittance stub)
- Make checks payable to “Akron Utilities Business Office”
4. In-Person Payment
The Utilities Business Office is located at:
1180 S. Main Street, Suite 110(Russ Pry County Building Customer Service Lobby)Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm (holidays excluded)
5. Drop Box Payment
Don’t want to go inside? Use the UBO payment drop box located at 1180 S. Main St.
Important tips for drop box payments:
- Use check or money order only (NO CASH)
- Write your account number on your payment
- Include your bill remittance stub
Understanding Your Akron Water Bill
Let’s break down how the city calculates your water charges, which can help you better understand what you’re paying for.
Water Rates (As of 2024)
Akron implemented a new water rate structure in 2024:
- The rate is now $3.06 per HCF (hundred cubic feet)
- There’s a fixed infrastructure charge based on water meter size
- For residential customers, the fixed charge is $9
Current Sewer Rates
Sewer rates vary depending on your classification:
- Akron Residential: $10.659 per HCF
- Akron Residential (Homestead): $8.393 per HCF
- Akron Residential (HEAP): $6.845 per HCF
- Akron Commercial: $10.659 per HCF
- Akron Industrial: $9.567 per HCF
Plus a billing charge of $3.75 per month.
2025 Curb Service Rates
Effective January 1, 2025:
- Regular rate: $24.34 per month
- Homestead rate: $13.20 per month
Having Trouble Paying Your Bill? Help is Available!
Akron offers several assistance programs for residents who need help with their utility bills:
Akron Cares Program
This program provides one-time emergency assistance of up to $500 towards delinquent utility bills. To qualify, you must:
- Be a City of Akron resident with a delinquent utility bill
- Meet one of these requirements:
- Have participation letter from programs like SNAP, Ohio Medicaid, HEAP, etc.
- Be a homeowner with Homestead Exemption
- Have household income less than 300% of federal poverty level
Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once approved, you cannot apply again for 365 days.
HEAP Sewer Rate Discount
If you’re approved for the State’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), you can get a 50% reduction on sewer rate increases. Simply provide your HEAP approval letter to the Utilities Business Office.
Homestead Exemption
Eligible Akron homeowners can receive reduced rates:
- Homestead sewer rate: $8.393 per HCF
- Homestead curb service rate: $13.20 per month (2025)
How to Lower Your Water Bill
We all want to save money where we can! Here are some ways to reduce your Akron water bill:
Switch to E-Billing and Get $5 Credit
The city offers a one-time $5 credit when you switch from paper bills to e-billing. It’s easy to sign up through Premium Access by selecting ‘Electronic Bill Delivery’ under Account Services.
Just remember – your account must remain in e-bill status for at least 12 months or they’ll debit the $5 back.
Water-Saving Tips
In the Bathroom
- Install low-flow showerheads
- Replace older toilets with high-efficiency models
In the Kitchen
- Install a low-flow aerator on your sink faucet
- Only wash full loads in the dishwasher
- Consider a water-saving dishwasher when upgrading
For Laundry
- Wash only full loads
- Look into water-saving washing machines
Outside
- Water your lawn only when needed (step on it – if it springs back, it doesn’t need water)
- Use a broom instead of hosing off walkways and driveways
Check for Leaks Regularly
A leaking toilet can waste TONS of water! Here’s a simple test:
- Pour food coloring in your toilet tank
- Wait 10-15 minutes without flushing
- If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak
You can also detect leaks using your water meter. With all water sources turned off, check if the blue leak detector on your meter is moving. If it is, you have a leak somewhere.
High Bill Due to a Leak? Get Relief!
If you’ve received a high bill due to a burst pipe, toilet leak, or underground leak, Akron’s Utility Bill Relief policy may help. Submit a Utility Bill Relief Affidavit within 10 business days of receiving the high bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I mail my payment?
Mail to: Akron Utilities Business Office, PO Box 3674, Akron, Ohio 44309-3674
How do I read my water meter?
Your meter has a straight-read dial like a car odometer. For example, if it reads 0390.41, your billing reading would be 390 HCF.
What is Akron Waterways Renewed?
These are expenditures required to comply with EPA regulations, including water treatment, biosolids treatment, and projects to eliminate sewer overflows.
Why is there a $40 fee for disconnecting water service?
This fee partially offsets the costs of City personnel operating, maintaining, and repairing curb boxes when performing shutoffs.
Can I get credit for curb service and sewer if my home is vacant?
Yes! Submit a notarized curb service or sewer affidavit to suspend charges during vacancy. Remember to contact the Business Office when the property is reoccupied.
How much does it cost to fill a swimming pool?
You can determine this based on your pool’s size. Most customers use a garden hose attached to their outside faucet.
Need Additional Help?
If you have questions about your bill, contact the Utility Business Office:
- Phone: (330) 375-2554
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday
Final Thoughts
Managing your Akron water bill doesn’t have to be complicated. With multiple payment options and assistance programs available, the city tries to make it as convenient as possible for residents.
I personally find the online payment system most convenient – no stamps needed, and payments post immediately to your account. Plus, if you sign up for e-billing, you get that sweet $5 credit!
Remember, staying on top of your water bill not only keeps your service running smoothly but also helps maintain Akron’s water infrastructure for everyone.
New water bill assistance program
What is it? In November, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced the city would restructure water rates in 2024. With a rate increase on the way, Akron is also launching a new water affordability program, called the Akron Water Bill Assistance Program.
The program will allow eligible Akron residents to receive a 40% discount on their water bill, including fees. The discount will cover the $4 billing charge, the $9 infrastructure charge and the water rate.
Who qualifies for the program? It is open to both homeowners and tenants at or below 175% of the federal poverty line. In addition, you must also meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a recipient of the Summit County Homestead Exemption, for disabled adults and people over 65 who meet income guidelines; veterans; and surviving spouses of fallen officers.
- Have received a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) letter of participation, for Ohioans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty line who need assistance paying their home energy bills.
- Have received a Percentage of Income Payment Plus (PIPP) letter of participation, for Ohioans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty line who have utility service from an electric or natural gas company regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
How to apply: Applications for the Water Bill Assistance Program will open on Jan. 1. Those who are interested and eligible to apply can do so online via email, by mail or by fax.
Before you apply, you need to determine your eligibility, and the way you do that varies depending on whether you’re using HEAP/PIPP or the Summit County Homestead Exemption. You can find step-by-step instructions for each on the City of Akron’s website.
Once your HEAP, PIPP or Homestead Exemption is confirmed, you can fill out the application — so long as it’s after the Jan. 1 opening date. When applications open, they’ll become available on the City of Akron’s website.
The application can then be returned by email or fax:
You can also mail your application to the Akron Utilities Business Office at: 1180 S. Main St. Suite 110 Akron, OH 44301
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
What is it? The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps ensure that those who are facing financial hardships still have access to clean, safe drinking water by preventing disconnections and safeguarding access to water.
This program is available to low-income families in Summit County through March 31, 2024.
Who qualifies for the program? Assistance is based on the number of household members and total household income, as the program is only available to low-income homeowners and renters.
LIHWAP is meant to be an emergency assistance program. Examples of crises that would qualify you for LIHWAP include:
- Past-due water and sewer bills
- Disconnection of water and sewer service
- At risk of service being terminated
- Need to establish a new service or need to pay to transfer an existing service
Under LIHWAP, households can be eligible for assistance up to $750 on water and $750 on sewer. If you qualify for assistance, direct payments will be made to your utility provider.
How to apply: Schedule an appointment with Community Action Akron Summit. To schedule, you can go through the organization’s website or call 330-436-0261.
