Mayor Don Plusquellic ordered the Akron Public Utilities Bureau to cease water service disconnections to customers who are unable to make payment from now through Tuesday, January 6, 2009. 

Plusquellic said, "This allows us to maintain water service to all 90,000 customer accounts during the holidays. It’s one less thing for people to worry about."

The Akron Public Utilities Bureau provides water and sewer service to persons in Akron and Fairlawn, the Village of Mogadore and portions of Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Bath, Springfield, Copley and Coventry townships.  

The City cuts off service to about 700 accounts each month due to billing delinquencies.

Public Service Director Rick Merolla said the City doesn’t want anyone to lose service during the holiday season, and tries to make it as easy as possible when it comes time to pay.

"We have expanded our payment options to include check or credit/debit card payments over the phone by calling 330-375-2554 or online at www.ci.akron.oh.us/146. We can also process requests for payment extensions through this phone system and website."

Thursday, December 18th was the last day the utility disconnected water service due to non-payment this year. They will resume disconnection of water service due to non-payment on Wednesday, January 7, 2009.