Commissioners Approve Water and Sewer Discount Program

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners today approved a resolution authorizing a discount program for low-income water and sewer customers. The Franklin County Department of Sanitary Engineering provides water and sewer service to approximately 40,000 residents, largely in the Darbydale area and Prairie Township, and operates one water treatment plant and four sewage treatment plants. The Low Income Water and Sewer Discount Program will offer a 20% discount on charges for water and sewer usage to customers who meet income requirements.

“We always look for ways to assist Franklin County families that are struggling,” said Commission President John O’Grady. “This program does that and will help ensure that families are able to keep their utilities turned on throughout the year.”

The initiative comes about as part of an agreement between the county and city. Franklin County purchases some of its water from the City of Columbus and pays to have some sewage treated, and the city has agreed to help provide this discount for county residents. There are about 1.2 million residents of Franklin County, of whom about 17% are living below the poverty line.

“Water is a necessity for life. Less fortunate families, especially our fixed-income seniors, those with young children, and people struggling to build their careers, businesses, or find a good job, need a break,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “I am glad that we have consensus, now, among commissioners and Columbus to make this happen for our county’s water customers.”

In order to qualify for the discount, customers must either already participate in an assistance program such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), or Home Energy Assistance (HEAP), or have income below the federal poverty level.

“Franklin County’s children are most at risk to suffer the effects of poverty,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown, “but for them to not have clean water and working sewers is unacceptable. This discount program will help ensure that all Franklin County families can be safe and healthy.”

Interested Franklin County Water and Sewer customers may download an application for the discount call 614-525-3940 for more information.