Obetz Updates Water, Sewer, and Refuse Rates

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The City of Obetz has passed Ordinance 08-25, updating water, sewer, and refuse rates effective March 1, 2025, that will be reflected on your April 2025 bill. This decision ensures that our city can continue to maintain high-quality infrastructure and meet financial obligations, as the cost of water and sewer services from the City of Columbus has steadily increased.

Why Are Rates Changing?

  • Rising Costs from Columbus: Obetz relies on Columbus for 65% of its water supply and 100% of its sewer services. Columbus has consistently raised rates, but Obetz has not increased its rates since 2012.
  • Maintaining Infrastructure: Over time, the rising costs have outpaced revenue, making it necessary to adjust rates to sustain operations.

What to Expect 

  • New Rates Begin March 1, 2025: The updated rates are outlined in Exhibit B of the ordinance.
  • Transparent Adjustments: Future rate changes will be published on customer bills at least one billing cycle in advance.
  • Property Owner Responsibility: Water, sewer, and refuse charges will remain the responsibility of the property owner, even if a tenant contracts for service.
  • New Annual Adjustment Formula: Starting in 2026, water and sewer rates will be adjusted annually to reflect Columbus’ rates plus 2% to ensure Obetz can cover its costs.

 

Click image to view pdf of rates.

Water rates image.

In addition, please view the 2025 Water and Sewer System Capacity Fees for Obetz, effective March 1, 2025.

What About Recycling?

The City of Obetz recently conducted a survey to assess resident interest in adding home recycling to the refuse contract. Implementing recycling would increase trash service costs by $3.00 per month in the first year of the new contract.

Historically, recycling has not been included in Obetz’s trash contract due to insufficient resident support. In the most recent survey, only 324 residents—out of approximately 9,000—expressed interest in adding recycling. Given the low response, City Council decided not to amend the contract at this time. However, Council has committed to reevaluating the possibility of adding recycling at the end of 2027.

For those who wish to recycle, the City will continue to provide recycling dumpsters at their current locations.

 

For more details, visit obetz.gov or contact the Obetz Utility Department at 614-491-1080 for assistance.