Ohio: Columbus Department Of Public Utilities

That's the way state law works. When the regulated utility can prove and justify the expense, a rate increase follows.

OAW's parent company, American Water Co., started buying up small water companies across the state in 2002. Since 2005, OAW rates have gone up three times.

Connie Dean, who moved into her home in southeastern Franklin County 40 years ago, said she remembers the days of brown tap water. Since OAW bought into the Blacklick Estates service area, water quality has improved, Dean said. But the price has been steep.

Ohio American rate increases have averaged 21 percent every two years, including a 30 percent increase in November. OAW sewer rates have gone up an average 19 percent every two years, including a 37 percent increase in November.