Water, sewer rates increase today

Water, sewer rates increase today

WAILUKU – Water and sewer rates will increase by an average of 18 percent beginning today as part of the county’s attempts to keep both utilities financially self-supporting.

The county’s Department of Water Supply issued a reminder Friday about the revised water and sewer rates approved earlier this year.

The water rate increase is expected to generate approximately $6.7 million in additional revenue for the water department. The money will offset increases in electrical expenses and operating and maintenance expenditures. In addition, the balance of revenue from the rate hikes will be used to fund capital improvement projects.

For water rates, the monthly service charge varies depending on meter size. For example, a ?-inch meter charge will increase 50 cents to $7.50 a month and an 8-inch meter charge will jump from $420 to $500 a month.

Tiered fees for water use rise as consumption increases, a move aimed at encouraging conservation. At the low end for general consumers, water costs $1.55 per 1,000 gallons from zero to 10,000 gallons. At the high end, consumers pay $3.50 per 1,000 gallons for consumption greater than 30,000 gallons in a bimonthly period.

For agricultural consumers, bimonthly water rates are: zero to 10,000 gallons, $1.55 per 1,000 gallons; $2.60 for 10,001 to 30,000 gallons of usage; and 90 cents for consumption above 30,000 gallons.

With the new fiscal year, the new Department of Environmental Management will oversee the county’s sewer system. For details on rates, call 270-7420.