At Scioto Water, Inc., our goal has always been to provide safe, reliable water service to our communities in the most economical way possible. Recently, customers may have noticed an increase in water rates, which went into effect with the August billing cycle and appeared in September statements.
We understand that any increase can raise questions, and we want to provide transparency around why these changes were necessary and what they mean for you.
💧 Why Rates Increased
The primary reason for the rate increase comes down to the rising cost of doing business.
Over the years, Scioto Water has made significant investments into improving and maintaining water systems. Since 2010, more than $20 million has been invested into infrastructure projects that now serve six counties .
While grant funding has helped offset some costs, a large portion of these improvements has required loans that must be repaid. At the same time, operational costs have continued to rise due to:
- Increased fuel costs
- Higher insurance expenses
- Rising costs of materials and treatment supplies
- Inflation impacting goods and services
- Increased regulatory requirements
These factors combined have made it necessary to adjust rates to maintain reliable service.
🏗️ Infrastructure & System Improvements
Maintaining a safe and dependable water supply requires ongoing investment.
Many existing water mains are reaching or exceeding their expected lifespan, often around 50 years or more. Systems must be upgraded to:
- Meet storage requirements
- Improve water flow
- Replace aging infrastructure
These upgrades are essential to ensure continued service for both current and future customers .
📊 What Changed in the Rates
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the recent adjustments:
- Minimum usage allowance reduced from 1,250 gallons to 1,000 gallons
- Monthly surcharge increased from $4 to $7
- Base rate increased by approximately 10% per 1,000 gallons
For the average residential customer, this results in:
- About $8.35 increase per month
- Roughly a 12.14% increase overall
Customers using less than the minimum allowance may see a smaller percentage increase.
⏱️ Why Now?
Scioto Water, Inc. operates as a private non-profit 501(c) organization, which limits the types of funding available.
A comprehensive rate analysis was initiated to evaluate long-term sustainability. Based on timing, operational needs, and financial obligations, the Board approved an interim increase to ensure uninterrupted service while minimizing the impact of potentially larger increases in the future .
🤝 Our Commitment to You
We understand that rate increases are never easy. Our team has worked hard to:
- Minimize increases where possible
- Absorb costs when feasible
- Maintain dependable and safe water service
Our commitment remains the same:
Providing high-quality water service while being responsible stewards of our system and resources.
📄 View the Full Notice
For a complete breakdown, including detailed calculations and comparisons:
👉 Download the full notice:
📞 Questions?
If you have any questions about your bill or the recent changes, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to help.