Who is "Fight the Hike Ohio?"
A coalition of citizens and community leaders from 90 cities, villages and townships across the state vowing to fight the current water rate hike proposed by Ohio American Water (OAW) that could raise overall rates another 60 percent over the next four years
How do I know if my service area is affected?
The water service area encompasses Ohio American's six districts — Ashtabula, Franklin County, Lawrence County, Mansfield, Marion [includes portions of unincorporated areas of Washington Township in Richland County and Canaan Township in Morrow County, the Pike Coimty service area (Lake White), and Preble County service area], Portage County [includes service areas commonly known as Brimfield (Beechcrest) located in portions of Brimfield Township and Brimfield (Auroa East) located in portions of Shalersville Townships] and Tiffin in Seneca County.
The area where an increase in sewer rates is requested is
comprised of the Franklin County District that includes service areas commonly known as the Blacklick Sewer Service Area located in portions of Madison and Truro Townships; Huber Ridge Sewer Service Area located in portions Blendon Township; and Lake Darby Sewer Service Area located in portions of Prairie and Brown Townships.
If OAW’s request is approved, how will I be affected?
OAW’s latest request includes a 23 to 27 percent overall rate increase in 2010 and subsequent step increases in 2011, 2012 and 2013. If approved, the utility’s overall rates for water service will have increased 325 percent since OAW purchased the utilities in 2002.
If OAW's latest request is approved and phased in over four years, the average water bill (10 CCF) will increase from $50 to $63 in the first year, and jump to $77 monthly by year two. For those unfortunate enough to also have sewer service through OAW, their bill will increase from $133 to $166 in the first year, and jump to $203 monthly by year two.
What is the hike for?
Simply for the service of treating and distributing our water, and recovering costs that OAW should cover with their operating revenue. They claim the proposed $17 million rate increase is to help recover operating and infrastructure costs. OAW must accept responsibility for its operating expenses, and customers should not be forced to bear the full cost of improvements.
Who owns our water?
We do. Our water is our resource.
Who owns Ohio American Water?
American Water, which has corporate headquarters in Voorhees, New Jersey.
What can I do?
Please call or e-mail your elected officials and urge them to contact the PUCO to discourage them from approving this increase.
Contact the PUCO and elected officials today to tell them how the frequent, exorbitant increases are impacting you and your family. Discourage them from approving the proposed rate increase (Case 09-0391) and demand that pattern of increases be stopped.
