
CUA Transitioning to Wastewater Capacity Fee Model July 1, 2026
Cleveland Utilities Authority (CUA) has announced an update to its wastewater fee structure aimed at improving fairness and aligning customer contributions with system usage. Beginning July 1, 2026, CUA will transition from its current access fee structure based on water meter size to a wastewater capacity fee structure based on Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs).
The change is designed to ensure that all customers contribute equitably based on the wastewater capacity demand they place on the system.
Under the new model, one Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) is defined as up to 150 gallons per day, which represents the average daily residential wastewater contribution to the system. A single-family residential connection serves as the current benchmark for 1 ERU.
Single-family residential connections will continue to pay the current connection fee of $2,200, which is equivalent to the existing 5/8-inch access fee. As a result, there will be no change in cost for new single-family residential connections when the new fee structure takes effect on July 1, 2026.
The new ERU rate will be $2,200 per unit effective July 1, 2026.
The updated fee model will primarily impact commercial and industrial developments, where wastewater capacity fees will be calculated based on projected flow contributions to the system rather than water meter size alone.
For example, a commercial customer projected to discharge 6,000 gallons per day would equate to approximately 40 ERUs (6,000 gallons divided by 150 gallons per ERU). At the rate of $2,200 per ERU, the resulting wastewater capacity fee would be approximately $88,000.
This updated approach provides a more accurate and equitable method of allocating system costs, ensuring that customers who place greater demand on the wastewater infrastructure contribute proportionally.
The new capacity fee model is based on current development projections. However, CUA acknowledges that future development activity and associated revenues cannot be predicted with certainty and these fees will continue to be evaluated.
For additional information about the wastewater capacity fee model, customers may contact Cleveland Utilities Authority at 423-472-4521.










