Facing mounting bills or shut-off notices for your water or sewer utilities can be very stressful. Fortunately, there are places to turn. In Summit County, several assistance programs help residents cover 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.

To help you through the process, this guide will break down the water/sewer bill assistance programs available to Akron and Summit County residents, including program qualifications and how to apply. 

Akron’s Water Bill Assistance Program

What is it? With a rate increase on the way in January 2027, Akron’s water affordability program, called the Akron Water Bill Assistance Program, may be a place to turn.

The ongoing, monthly program allows eligible Akron residents (homeowners and tenants) to receive a 40% discount on the drinking water portion of their Akron utility bill. The discount covers the $4 billing charge, the (current) $9 infrastructure charge and the water rate. (Editor’s note: It’s unclear how this program may change with the proposed water rate increases coming in January 2027.)

Who qualifies for the program? It is open to both homeowners and tenants at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, you must also meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be a recipient of the Summit County Homestead Exemption for homeowners over 65, homeowners who are permanently and totally disabled and people over 65 who meet income guidelines; veterans; and surviving spouses of fallen officers. 
  • Received a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) letter of participation, for Ohioans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty line who need assistance paying their home energy bills.
  • Have received a Percentage of Income Payment Plus (PIPP) letter of participation, for Ohioans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty line who have utility service from an electric or natural gas company regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

How to apply for water bill assistance in Akron

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

Before you apply, you need to determine your eligibility, which depends 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 U.S. mail, email or fax:

  • Email: ubo@akronohio.gov
  • Mail: 1180 S. Main St., Suite 110, Akron, Ohio 44301
  • Fax: 330-375-2308

If you’re using Homestead Exemption eligibility, the city can verify eligibility without an application. Call 330-375-2554 if you have a Homestead Exemption, but are not receiving the Utility Bill Assistance discount on the water portion of your Akron Utility Bill. (The office is not open on weekends or holidays.)

Residents may apply at any time.  The City of Akron will contact participants at least annually to verify continued eligibility, according to the assistance program website.

United Way 2-1-1 helpline

What is it? The United Way of Summit and Medina counties has a 2-1-1 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 the 211 helpline, you’ll be connected with a trained member who can help direct you to the services you need.

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 for 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 2-1-1 helpline, you can 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, 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 water bill help?

If you don’t qualify or can’t apply to a program, there are other avenues available for help, including area support agencies such as:

Editor-in-Chief (she/her)
Zake has deep roots in Northeast Ohio journalism. She was the managing editor for multimedia and special projects at the Akron Beacon Journal, where she began work as a staff photographer in 1986. Over a 20-year career, Zake worked in a variety of roles across departments that all help inform her current role as Signal Akron's editor in chief. Most recently, she was a journalism professor and student media adviser at Kent State University, where she worked with the next generation of journalists to understand public policy, environmental reporting, data and solutions reporting. Among her accomplishments was the launch of the Kent State NewsLab, an experiential and collaborative news commons that connects student reporters with outside professional partners.