FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — Prairie Township residents are facing a storm of frustration as they grapple with significantly higher water rates compared to their Columbus neighbors.
The issue came to a head at a Friday township meeting held by the Franklin County Sanitation Engineer's Office. Residents voiced their anger over the disparity and the potential for further rate increases.
"The water comes out of the same well, and we should pay the same rate," said one Prairie Township homeowner.
Now their water rates may go up again and people who attended this meeting are furious.
"Why are we paying almost $12 dollars more for water than the city of Columbus is paying?," questioned one Prairie Township homeowner.
Rate Comparison
The stark difference in water costs between Prairie Township and Columbus is at the heart of the controversy:
Prairie Township water rate per cubic foot: $6.23
Columbus water rate per cubic foot: $3.52
Prairie Township sewer rate per cubic foot: $8.81
Columbus sewer rate per cubic foot: $5.35
This significant disparity has left many residents questioning the fairness of the pricing structure.
When asked directly why they were paying more, the county sanitation engineer didn't have an answer.
"The only answer I can give you is we're charged more," said Stephen Renner, director of the Franklin County Sanitation Engineering Office.
County's Response
Franklin County officials struggled to provide a satisfactory explanation for the rate difference.
This response did little to quell the frustration of residents, many of whom live in one of the poorest areas served by Columbus water.
The county claims it has absorbed over $2 million in costs over the past three years by not passing on higher water rates to customers. Additionally, they report spending $27 million since 2015 on maintaining water and sewer lines.
Renner acknowledged the financial strain, stating, "I know you all are facing higher costs, so are we."
Proposed Solutions
Prairie Township is exploring the possibility of having the City of Columbus take over maintenance responsibilities to potentially alleviate some of the cost burden.
However, with higher rates proposed for the future, residents are increasingly concerned about their ability to afford basic water usage, let alone luxuries like watering their lawns.
The issue extends beyond Prairie Township, as Columbus itself is proposing rate hikes between 12% and 15% for the years 2027, 2028 and 2029.
As the water rate debate continues to simmer, Prairie Township residents are left wondering if relief from their high water bills will ever flow their way.
