Some central Ohioans could soon be paying more for their water service as Ohio American Water attempts to recover costs it encountered while repairing its water-delivery infrastructure.
At the Darby Lakes Subdivision in Prairie Township, the average customer pays $32 for 1,000 cubic feet of water -- an amount nearly double what Columbus water customers pay, 10TV's Kevin Landers reported.
"It's over $100 a month," said homeowner Debbie Sargent. "That's for two people."
While the current water rates cost more than most residents' electric bills, water rates for Ohio American Water customers could continue to rise by as much as 32 percent, Landers reported.
While residents in Prairie Township were not happy about the price increase, Ohio American Water said it was just reacting to the cost of business.
In a statement to 10TV, the company said it was asking to recover the nearly $9 million invested by the company from January 2006 to June 2007 to improve pipes, mains, hydrants, meters and treatment facilities across the state.
The company said that "all investments were made to ensure continued quality water service to Ohio American Water customers."
Prairie Township Trustee Steve Kennedy said he other residents also encounter costs when it comes to softening their water. According to Kennedy, his water is not always as soft as it should be.
"I know practically everyone in this neighborhood has a softener on their water," Kennedy said.
If the price hike goes into effect, about 8,000 water customers in Franklin County would be impacted, Landers reported.
It would be the second rate hike for the company. In March 2007, Ohio American Water increased rates by 14 percent in Franklin County, Landers reported.
A public hearing on the water price increase has not been scheduled.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
