Sanitary Sewer Services

Please contact the DSSS Billing department at 330-926-2400.

We are a division under the County Executive and governed by Codified Ordinance Part 9. 

Sanitary sewers are small diameter pipes that are not designed to carry waste water. In Summit County, sanitary sewers are commonly found in newer areas of Summit County and suburban "bedroom communities" that surround the county. Waste water is handled by a separate line.

During heavy rains, however, waste water can enter sanitary sewer lines through manholes, defective sewer pipes, and illicit connections (e.g., downspout connected directly to the sanitary sewer). If the sanitary sewer line is filled beyond capacity, it will overflow through sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) relief structures (constructed as part of manholes) or through manhole lids into local waterways, adjacent yards, and streets. SSOs are considered a greater danger to public health than a CSO, and therefore are not permitted under the Clean Water Act.

A sewer overflow is a discharge of raw sewage mixed with waste water that overflows from a sewer into local streams and rivers. Overflows occur when there is too much wastewater for the sewer system, pump station, or treatment plants to handle, such as after heavy rainstorms. To relieve pressure in the system and minimize backups into homes and businesses, excess sewage is discharged into local waterways. State and federal regulations require the Summit County Department of Sanitary Sewer Services (DSSS) and sewer agencies across the country to reduce overflows and meet Clean Water Act requirements.

Sewage overflows affect the quality of water in our streams and rivers, can impact public health, and are aesthetically unpleasant.

After heavy rains, many Summit County streams and rivers do not meet Ohio state standards for recreational activities such as wading or swimming. Habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms is also degraded.

Overflows are a main source of E. coli bacteria in local water. If you swallow water with high levels of E. coli, you can become ill. Raw sewage can also contain viruses and other pathogens.

Sewer overflows also often result in odors and leave unsightly sewer debris behind.

Yes. Summit County is not alone in this problem. There are roughly 772 communities across the U.S. with aging sewer systems, according to the U.S. EPA.

These older, urban communities are mainly located in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions and the Pacific Northwest.

Many are under federal orders to resolve their sewer overflow issues. Regionally, these areas include Northern Kentucky and Louisville, Columbus and Toledo, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis.

You can help solve the problem of raw sewage and pollution in our waterways. Everyone has a role: individual citizens, government, non-profit organizations, businesses, industry, and community groups. Here's how to help:

Keep wastewater out of the sewer system whenever possible through the use of green infrastructure (rain gardens, pervious paving, green roofs, rain barrels);

Keep certain materials out of your sink drains, floor drains, toilet, or sewers.

Inflow and Infiltration water is called "clear water" (although it may be dirty) to distinguish it from normal sanitary sewage water in the sewer system.

Inflow and infiltration is defined as groundwater and stormwater that enter a sewer system. Collection systems can be damaged when they are forced to transport more flow than they are designed to handle. Increased effluent also raises costs for wastewater treatment facilities, because harmless stormwater and groundwater mix with sewage. In many cases, inflow and infiltration (I&I) accounts for up to 45% of the annual flow to treatment plants.

Exceeding the capacity of the collection system can result in discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment. This discharge may come from collection system components or from a treatment system that doesn’t have the capacity to treat the water. Infiltration can also cause pipe structure failures due to erosion of soil support, and ground subsidence due to erosion of underground soil.

Infiltration occurs when groundwater seeps into sewer pipes through cracks, leaky pipe joints and/or deteriorated manholes.

Inflow is stormwater that enters the sewer system through rain leaders, basement sump pumps or foundation drains illegally connected to the sewer.

Together, inflow and infiltration place a burden on collection systems and wastewater treatment facilities.

No, only flush toilet paper. Disinfecting wipes and other items should be properly disposed of in the trash, not the toilet. These wipes and other items do not break down in sewer or septic systems and can damage your home’s internal plumbing as well as local wastewater collection systems. As a result, flushing these wipes can clog your toilet and/or create sewage backups into your home or your neighborhood.

Additionally, these wipes can cause significant damage to pipes, pumps, and other wastewater treatment equipment. Sewer backups can be a threat to public health and present a challenge to our water utilities by diverting resources away from the essential work being done to treat and manage our nation’s wastewater. Disinfecting wipes, baby wipes, and paper towels should NEVER be flushed. 

One of the primary objectives for the cost-of-service study was to ensure that rates between residential flat-rate and metered customers was fair and equitable. The County has been working toward this equity for several years, including the reduction of the flat rate by 10% in 2015. Keeping the flat rates stable for 2023 and 2024 will ensure rate equity between residential metered and non-metered customers.

Summit County last raised sewer rates in 2006, with the final rate increase implemented in 2011. Since that time, the cost for 3rd party treatment of sewage has more than doubled, creating a $14.3 million increase in costs. This increase has created an estimated $7.8 million deficit in the sewer budget, with additional deficits expected without a change in rates. DSSS must also increase revenue to fund important infrastructure improvements in the coming years to maintain a well-functioning sewer district.

METERED per 100 cubic feet

FLAT RATE per month - No increase for FY22 and FY23

DSSS will continue to offer a 10% reduction to eligible customers (income-based) and offer an additional 25% for eligible flat-rate customers in 2022 and 2023. DSSS also offers the Summer Sprinkling Program, a 10% discount for all residential customers in June, July and August. Call 330-926-2400 for more information about these programs.

Residents in need of financial assistance can also apply for sewer assistance at                          http://www.summitcountycares.org/ or by calling 2-1-1. 

Residential and commercial metered and flat-rate customers in the communities listed below will be affected. DSSS customers represent approximately 9% of county residents.

Bath Township, Boston Heights Township, Coventry Township (Portage Lakes), Copley Township, Cuyahoga Falls (Northampton), Fairlawn, Green, Hudson, Lakemore, Macedonia, Munroe Falls, New Franklin Township, Northfield Center Township, Reminderville, Sagamore Hills Township, Silver Lake, Springfield Township, Stow, Tallmadge, Twinsburg Township.

Note: Several municipalities listed are served by multiple sewer providers. Please consult your sewer bill to verify which service you receive.

The new sewer rates were determined following an intensive rate study project conducted by Raftelis, an independent financial consultant. The study sought to assess how DSSS can adequately fund increasing costs while minimizing rates for customers, and setting fair, equitable and affordable rates. DSSS customers will still pay lower rates than customers utilizing other regional sewer service providers. Under the new rates, the average DSSS residential customer will pay $53.74 per month. The same customer would pay $68.35 or $74.25 if they were an Akron or NEORSD customer. A similar comparison is seen with commercial customers.

The complete rate study can be found below.

• Department of Sanitary Sewer Services Rate Study (PDF, 436.1k)

The new sewer rates will take effect on January 1, 2022