Facing a shut-off notice or mounting bills for your water or sewer utilities can be very stressful. Fortunately, there are places to turn to in Akron and Summit County, where several assistance programs are available to help residents cover their outstanding 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.

This guide will break down the local water/sewer bill assistance programs, their requirements and how to apply. 

New water bill assistance program

What is it? In November 2023, then-Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced the city would restructure water rates. Akron has also launched a new water affordability program, called the Akron Water Bill Assistance Program.

The program allows eligible Akron residents to receive a 40% discount on their water bill, including fees. The discount covers the $4 billing charge, the $9 infrastructure charge and the water rate. 

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Who qualifies for the program? The program 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:

How to apply: 

Applications for the Water Bill Assistance Program can be filed online via email, by mail or by fax. 

Before you apply, you need to determine your eligibility. 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. 

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

United Way 211 helpline

What is it? The United Way of Summit & Medina has a 211 helpline that connects residents with help when they need it, whether they’re struggling with food insecurity, housing, mental health or paying their utility bills. 

When you call 211, you’ll be connected with a trained member of your community who can help direct you to the services you need. The goal is to break down barriers that historically prevented people from either seeking or receiving assistance, making it easier for anyone who needs it to call and get help. 

Representatives at the 211 call center can connect you with water service payment assistance, including discounted water and sewer service, as well as payment assistance for veterans and those living with HIV/AIDS. They can also help you apply for utility reconnection programs through medical certificates or special reconnect orders.

Who qualifies for the program? Anyone in Summit or Medina counties who needs assistance can call the 211 helpline to get connected with various resources.

Keep in mind, though, that if you call the 211 helpline and want help applying to a water/sewer assistance program, you still need to meet the eligibility requirements for that program.

How to apply:

To get help from United Way’s 211 helpline, start by going to the organization’s website, entering your city or ZIP code and then selecting a service category that’s available in your area to get connected to the right person or department. 

Or, you can dial 211 or 330-376-6660 to connect with a staff member 24/7. They will provide information on available resources and connect you with the right assistance. 

Where else can you find help?

Several federal and state programs provide utility assistance to those in need, but if you don’t qualify or can’t apply for another reason, there are other avenues available for help. For starters, you can check with your local city hall or your city’s website about water/sewer assistance programs. 

In addition, you can look for assistance in other places, including:

Kristine Gill is a freelance writer based in Willoughby with experience covering real estate, crime, higher education and health. She majored in newspaper journalism and creative writing at Kent State and runs a fiction workshop for local writers. She spent a decade living in Florida, working first as a reporter for the Naples Daily News. She later worked as a media relations specialist for the Collier County Sheriff's Office.