Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities Freezes Water and Wastewater Rates for Second Year in a Row

For the second year in a row, the Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities (the Board) approved freezing water and wastewater rates at current amounts. On Tuesday, December 7, 2021, the Board approved Avon Lake Regional Water’s 2022 Operating Budget, which included freezing rates for 2022. The 2022 Operating Budget is a balanced budget, without using any reserve funds.

“Like everyone else, the Board is experiencing higher costs due to inflation in the United States since 2021 began. Still, our excellent management team and good fortune in terms of demand has made us financially situated to forestall planned rate increases at this time. Although the rate freeze went largely unremarked in 2020, we feel that this is an accomplishment by a governmental agency which indeed does have the interest of its constituency at heart,” said John Dzwonczyk, Chairman of the Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities.

Avon Lake Regional Water’s current water and wastewater rates are listed below. These rates have been in place since July 1, 2020.

Water Rates:

Wastewater Rates:

Compared to other cities in the State of Ohio, Avon Lake Regional Water has the lowest water rates.

“The Board recognizes the importance of having a quality-driven organization that provides seamless water and wastewater services, while balancing investments in critical infrastructure improvements and operational costs, which impact rates,” said Robert Munro, Chief Utilities Executive for Avon Lake Regional Water. “Avon Lake Regional Water staff has been and continues to work closely with the Board on this balance.”

Over the last several years, the Board invested in critical infrastructure improvements to Avon Lake Regional Water’s system to ensure seamless water and wastewater services. The water and wastewater rates customers pay for their services contribute to payment of these improvements, which include:

• Construction of a 2.5-million-gallon clear well that provides an extra 2.5 million gallons of clean water in case of an emergency
• Construction of a 3-million-gallon water tower that provides an extra 3 million gallons of clean water in case of an emergency
• Construction of the West Ridge Interconnect, a pumping station that may provide up to 8 million gallons of clean water to either Avon Lake Regional Water, the Rural Lorain County Water Authority, and/or the City of Elyria in case of an emergency
• Rehabilitation of the Water Reclamation Facility (wastewater treatment plant)
• Replacement of waterlines throughout Avon Lake, about 8% of Avon Lake Regional Water’s distribution system
• Replacement of sanitary sewer lines as part of the Avon Lake Combined Sewer Separation Project, about 12% of Avon Lake Regional Water’s collection system.

“Avon Lake Regional Water is an incredible asset to our city and the whole region it serves.  The water quality, prompt service and low rates make Avon Lake an attractive location for families and businesses alike to consider our community as a place in which to call home,” said City of Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka.

Also, the Board recognizes how Avon Lake Regional Water’s rates impact not only customers, but the City of Avon Lake and the region. Having one of the lowest water rates in the State of Ohio provides an economic development benefit to the City.

“Working to improve Avon Lake’s business environment, we strive to keep costs low for businesses wherever possible. Avon Lake Regional Water has lower water rates than any other incorporated city in Ohio. This helps us both attract and retain businesses in Avon Lake. But in addition to low water rates, Avon Lake Regional Water is able accommodate unique needs for companies in Avon Lake, which has helped those businesses continue to do business here in the City,” said Ted Esborn, Economic Development Director for the City of Avon Lake.