Because the City of Gahanna receives its water supply from the City of Columbus and sends its sanitary waste to Columbus for treatment, our utility rates are largely driven by the rates set by Columbus.  Based upon recent rate increase announcements by Columbus, Gahanna residents will see an overall 6.14% rate increase across water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater services.  A full breakdown of the rate changes can be found here: 

Water

• Operations: $10.62 per 1,000 gallons (up from $9.65) – 10% increase in 2026 (Columbus: 18% increase)
• Capital: $1.12 per 1,000 gallons (up from $1.08) – 4% increase in 2026
• Why the increase? Columbus, Gahanna’s water provider, is raising its rate to the City by 18%.
• Discounts: Columbus’ Low-Income/Senior Discount (available to Gahanna residents) expands to a 30% discount in 2026.

Sanitary Sewer

• Operations: $10.90 per 1,000 gallons (up from $10.28) – 6% increase in 2026 (Columbus: 8% increase)
• Capital: $1.59 per 1,000 gallons (up from $1.53) – 4% increase in 2026
• Why the increase? Columbus is raising sanitary sewer treatment rates by 8%.
• Discounts: Columbus’ Low-Income/Senior Discount (available to Gahanna residents) expands to a 30% discount in 2026.

Stormwater

• Base Rate: $5.20 per residential unit/month (up from $5.14) – 1% increase in 2026
• Columbus’ Clean River Fee (Consent Order): $4.39 per ERU (up from $3.73)

Garbage & Recycling

• No rate increase in 2026.
• A rate change is anticipated in 2027.

What This Means for Residents

• Overall utility increase: 6.14%
• Monthly impact:
  • $2.41 increase for minimum-bill customers
  • $7.46 increase for a household using 4,000 gallons/month

To help with the above costs, eligible residents and families can apply for low-income and/or senior discounts offered by the City of Columbus to reduce their water or sewer charges. To apply for a low-income/senior discount, fill out this form and return it to the City of Gahanna’s Utility Billing Division by email at WaterDepartment@Gahanna.gov, in person at Gahanna City Hall (200 S. Hamilton Rd.), or by mail.

Residents over the age of 60 who are the head of the household also may receive senior discounts on their refuse charges from the City of Gahanna. Eligible residents can sign up by bringing their driver’s license or other official ID to the Utility Billing Division, Department of Public Service, at Gahanna City Hall (200 S. Hamilton Road). 

For questions regarding either program, please contact Gahanna’s Utility Billing Division at (614) 342-4440 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or visit us on the web at Gahanna.gov/228/Utility-Billing.

Since consumption of water is the largest cost driver, residents are encouraged to explore conservation strategies. Here are three immediate steps you can take to help reduce costs:

• Fix leaks promptly: Even a slow-dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons a year.
• Install water-efficient fixtures: Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and high-efficiency toilets reduce water use without affecting performance.
• Run full loads: Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full to save water and energy.