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 5, 2010.

"We do this every year so our customers will all have water service during their holidays," Plusquellic said.

The Akron Public Utilities Bureau provides retail water and sewer service to approximately 90,000 accounts in Summit County including Fairlawn, Mogadore and portions of Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Bath, Springfield, Copley and Coventry townships.

City of Akron Business Services Administrator Andre Blaylock said he finds about 600 accounts each month that must be disconnected due to non-payment. But, this figure reflects a nine percent decrease from the previous year, thanks---in part---to a more efficient processing system employed by the City.

"The decline in water service disconnections is due in part to expanded use of our pay-by-phone and online bill payment features and earlier processing of overnight payments in our drop box," Blaylock said.

Thursday, December 17th will be the last day the utility will disconnect water service due to non-payment this year. It will resume disconnection of water service due to non-payment on Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

Payment options include check or credit/debit card payments over the phone with a call to 330-375-2554 or online at www.ci.akron.oh.us/146. Blaylock says the City can also process requests for payment extensions through this phone system and website.