NEORSD Helps Residents Cut Costs and Protect Local Waterways

We’re not always nice to our sewer systems and the environment. We throw “disposable” or items labeled “flushable” down the toilet (think baby wipes) when they really aren’t. We use harsh chemicals to clean our vehicles and watch as those chemicals are washed away to storms drains and ultimately to our rivers and lakes. We also let leaky pipes and dripping faucets add wasted water to our already high level of water use.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) wants to aid its approximately 1 million customers in 63 communities in parts of Cuyahoga, Summit and Lorain counties whenever possible. One way is by offering significant cost savings programs to eligible consumers. 

A good place to start is the Discount Calculator available on the district’s website (neorsd.org). The calculator will not collect names or detailed information unless allowed by the user. Customers answer simple questions to determine if they are eligible for reduced sewer or stormwater rates. The next step is to determine what help may be possible. 

Pauletta Hubbard, a 36-year employee with NEORSD, is senior manager of customer relations. Hubbard and 13 additional staff members connect with customers in a number of ways. 

For example, the next Utility Assistance Resource Fair, attended by NEORSD and other Cleveland utilities, as well as community support groups, is Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Tri-C Eastern Campus. Registration is preferred, but limited walk-ins are welcome.

At the Fair (as well as through the online portal, web, phone and in-person at the NEORSD office), NEORSD customers can learn about cost-savings programs. Programs include: 

Rate Reduction: Qualified customers can receive a 40% reduction on sewer rates. The income limit changes annually. 

“This program is now open to renters as well as homeowners. There now are a lot of people who are renting who are responsible for their water and sewer bills,” explains Hubbard. “We raised the eligibility limit from 200% to 250% of the federal poverty level. It gives people with a higher income more of an opportunity to apply for the program.”

Hubbard says the program will not only help people with the lowest paying jobs, but also “some with moderate incomes in clerical positions and with children.”

Crisis Assistance Program: Homeowners experiencing high medical bills, a divorce, death of a spouse or loss of income may be eligible for up to a $300 one-time credit toward sewer and water charges.

Summer Sprinkling Program: Sewer charges from May 1 to Sept. 30 may be based on winter water consumption under this program for property owner/occupants. “This was the first district program we offered in-house, and it started in 1993 because people were watering their lawns, filling pools and getting much higher bills,” says Hubbard. 

Stormwater Fee Credit: “This is a reduced stormwater management fee given for reducing stormwater runoff on your property,” explains Hubbard.

Homestead Rate Program: Homeowners who qualify are enrolled in the program for three years and do not have to reapply until after that time period. To qualify, owner/occupants must be 65 years old or older or under 65 and totally disabled. Income limit changes annually.

Plumbing Repair Program: This is earmarked for emergency service line replacements and other plumbing services. Hubbard says she has seen the program help owner/occupants with internal items such as installing utility tubs and fixing broken pipes. Income limits apply, and the program can be used once every two years (up to $5,000).  

From January through July of this year, NEORSD assisted 714 customers in the Crisis Assistance Program, providing $234,484; 923 customers in the Rate Reduction program; 2,023 in the Summer Sprinkling Program; and 273 in the Homestead Rate Program. 

“We try to give our people customer service to the best of our ability,” says Hubbard.