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Article Summary
Greater Cincinnati Water Works is proposing 9.5% annual water rate increases from 2027 through 2031 to fund lead service line replacements, PFAS treatment upgrades and aging infrastructure improvements. The proposal could increase the average residential water bill by approximately $45 annually during the first year. Cincinnati City Council must approve the water rate adjustments, while Hamilton County officials are separately considering sewer rate increases for 2027.
Cincinnati water rates could increase by 9.5% annually from 2027 through 2031 under a proposal from Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW).
The proposed increases would help fund lead service line replacements, new treatment technology for PFAS contamination, and improvements to aging water infrastructure.
Cincinnati water rates could rise 9.5% annually
GCWW presented its proposed rate adjustments to Cincinnati City Council’s Budget, Finance and Governance Committee on Monday, November 9.
The utility is seeking approval for five consecutive annual increases beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2031.
Under the proposal, the average Cincinnati residential customer would pay approximately $45 more annually for water during the first year.
The additional monthly costs would increase each year as the proposed adjustments take effect.
GCWW Executive Director Andrea Yang said the increases are necessary to meet federal drinking water regulations while maintaining water quality for customers.
“These are important because they meet the regulations and ensure that we continue to have the highest quality water for our customers,” Yang said.
The proposal has not yet received final approval from the City Council.
Lead pipe replacements drive proposed water rate increases
One of the major expenses behind the proposed increases is the replacement of lead service lines throughout GCWW’s service area.
The utility has already replaced approximately 10,000 lead service lines, but about 30,000 remain.
Federal Environmental Protection Agency requirements will require water systems to accelerate lead pipe replacements beginning in November 2027.
Under the requirements, GCWW must replace 10% of its remaining lead service lines annually.
The utility currently replaces approximately 1,500 lines each year. It plans to increase that number to approximately 3,000 annually.
The accelerated replacement program is expected to cost approximately $23 million per year.
Yang said the utility must increase its replacement efforts to meet the federal requirements.
PFAS treatment upgrades could cost more than $100 million
GCWW also needs to upgrade its water treatment facilities to comply with new federal regulations covering per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or forever chemicals.
The federal drinking water standards will take effect in April 2028.
To meet the requirements, GCWW plans to install additional treatment technology at its Bolton Water Treatment Plant.
The project is estimated to cost between $90 million and $120 million.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products. They are called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly in the environment.
Long-term exposure to certain PFAS has been associated with health concerns, making their removal from drinking water an important regulatory priority.
GCWW also cited aging water mains, rising electricity expenses and inflation as factors contributing to its proposed rate adjustments.
Despite the expected increases, Yang said the utility remains conscious of keeping water service affordable for customers.
Water assistance programs available to eligible customers
GCWW said the proposed increases are considered affordable under metrics established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The utility also offers assistance programs to help eligible customers manage their water bills and avoid service interruptions.
Available assistance includes payment arrangements and discounts for qualifying seniors and disabled veterans.
Yang said higher rates do not necessarily mean reduced access to water.
The utility reported that it has reduced the number of pending service shutoffs and delinquent accounts, even during the previous rate adjustment period from 2022 through 2026, when rates increased by approximately 5.5% annually.
GCWW serves approximately 1.1 million customers throughout Greater Cincinnati, including communities outside the city limits.
Sewer rates could also increase in 2027
Greater Cincinnati customers could also face higher sewer charges next year.
GCWW handles billing for the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD), meaning customers generally receive their water and sewer charges on the same bill.
However, MSD rate adjustments are approved separately by the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners.
For 2027, county officials are considering two proposed rate adjustment options.
The first option would increase the minimum base charge and commodity charge by 4% for all customers. Industrial pretreatment charges would also increase, while surcharge rates would remain unchanged.
The second option would reduce the minimum monthly allowance from 3 CCF to 2 CCF, alongside adjustments to the minimum base charge and commodity charge.
Two public hearings will allow residents to comment on the proposed sewer rate changes.
The hearings are scheduled for:
- November 17, 2026, at 10:15 a.m.
- December 1, 2026, at 10:15 a.m.
Both hearings will take place at the Todd B. Portune Center for County Government, 138 E. Court Street, Room 605, Cincinnati.
When could the proposed water rate increases take effect?
Cincinnati City Council is expected to consider the GCWW proposal following its committee review.
The proposed increases would begin in 2027 if approved and continue annually through 2031.
The sewer rate adjustments will follow a separate approval process through the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners.
Customers should monitor announcements from GCWW and MSD for updates on the final rates and implementation schedules.
FAQs
Why is Greater Cincinnati Water Works increasing water rates?
GCWW says the proposed increases will help fund federally required lead service line replacements, PFAS treatment upgrades and improvements to aging water infrastructure. Rising electricity costs and inflation are also contributing factors.
How many lead water pipes does GCWW still need to replace?
GCWW has replaced approximately 10,000 lead service lines, with another 30,000 remaining. The utility plans to increase its replacement pace from approximately 1,500 to 3,000 lines annually to meet federal requirements.
What are PFAS, and why must GCWW remove them?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals commonly called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly in the environment. Certain PFAS have been linked to health concerns, prompting federal drinking water regulations requiring utilities to limit their presence in drinking water.
Does Greater Cincinnati Water Works serve areas outside Cincinnati?
Yes. GCWW provides drinking water to approximately 1.1 million customers throughout Greater Cincinnati, including communities outside Cincinnati’s city limits.
