Sewer

Metropolitan Sewer District

While your utility bill may come from the City of Loveland, the city does not control sanitary sewer rates. Those rates are set by the Hamilton County Commissioners for the entire Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) of Greater Cincinnati. In 1985, the City of Loveland and Hamilton County entered into a contract where the city would continue to own its sewer plant and sewer system, but MSD would operate the plant. 

In recent years, MSD has been the subject of several lawsuits, one of which places the organization under a Federal Consent Decree to comply with EPA standards. This is when rates began rising at a significant rate annually, often in double-digits.

To try to protect our residents’ pocketbooks, Loveland attempted to terminate our contract with MSD. In order to do so, the city was in litigation with MSD to regain control of our sewer plant and system. Unfortunately, the City of Loveland did not prevail in its lawsuit, including being denied an appearance at the U.S. Supreme Court — the last step in the appeals process. This means that the City of Loveland has no control over sewer rates, which comprise the vast majority of the charges you see on your bill.

2023 Rate Increase

MSD is increasing sewer rates by 3% effective Jan. 1, 2023. This increase will cost the average single-family residential household an additional $18 a year or $1.50 a month. Visit the MSD website for more information.

Discount for Seniors

MSD offers a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) to help low-income senior citizens pay their sewer bills. Eligible applicants receive a 25% discount on their monthly sewer bill (including both the minimum base charge and the commodity charge). The estimated savings is $120 or more per year. You must apply through MSD. Learn more and apply.

Contact MSD

If you would like to voice a complaint about your sewer rates, have questions about your bill, or have an emergency such as a sewer backup, please contact MSD Customer Service at 513-244-1300.