SAVE: Affordability Program app available online

Administered by partners at the Cleveland Housing Network, Wastewater Affordability Program applications are now available as a PDF download from CHN's website.

• Link to CHN's utility assistance programs
• Download a Wastewater Affordability Program PDF application
• Learn more about our cost-saving programs

The Sewer District's wastewater affordability program—along with expansion of its Homestead program—were launched in 2011 as part of its 2012-2016 rates schedule. All of the Sewer District's cost-saving programs were promoted with a customer mailing in November that resulted in Customer Service call volumes more than six times its weekly average.

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and Cleveland Division of Water customers may apply if they meet the income guidelines posted on CHN's utility assistance page. 

The Sewer District also is developing a crisis assistance program that will benefit customers affected by a major event in their lives, such as major medical expenses not covered by any other source, job loss, separation, or divorce. The program will offer financial assistance (up to $300) toward your account and suspends water shut-off action. Program details will be available later this year.

RATES: Changes effective Jan. 1

On January 1, 2012, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District's rates and billing structure is changing. Here is a summary to help you better understand the changes.

No more minimum charge
Before 2012, users were charged a for 1,000 cubic feet of water (1 MCF, or 7,480 gallons) of water consumption, even if their actual usage was lower. This year, that minimum charge is eliminated and replaced by a base charge of $5.85, which means those who use less than 1 MCF per quarter initially will see a decrease in their sewer bills. View the rate schedule

Higher Homestead discount
Increasing the Homestead Program rate reduction from 33% to 40%, which will assist low-income seniors and customers will disabilities. The income limit for Homestead applicants in 2012 will be $30,500. Read more

New Affordability program
We are adding a Wastewater Affordability Program to our cost-saving programs offerings to benefit those with income level at/below 200% Federal poverty level (e.g. Family of four < $44,700). Learn about all of our cost-saving programs | View all Affordability Program income limits

Crisis Assistance program coming in late 2012
We are designing a Crisis Assistance Program (e.g. Medical expenses, job loss) which will be detailed in late 2012.

To learn more about what to expect in your first bills of 2012, contact us or our Customer Service department at (216) 881-8247.