Customers will see rate increases for both water and sewer service in 2023. At the beginning of last year, the Board of Commissioners adopted rates increases for years 2022-2025. The rate increases, which were adopted as part of a bi-annual rate review conducted by the Board, were based on a comprehensive rate study provided by the District’s rate consultant, FCS Group. The study indicated that higher than normal rate increases were needed over the coming years to allow the District to meet the increasing costs of operating, maintaining and upgrading critical utility system infrastructure over the coming years.
Based upon recommendations from the rate study, the Board adopted annual rate increases of 4.75% for water service, and 10.5% for sewer service in 2023. With higher inflation driving costs above the levels anticipated in the study, the Board reviewed the sewer increase in December and determined that it was necessary to increase sewer rates by 12.5% in 2023 rather than 10.5% as planned. The Board will look at rates for 2024 and beyond during the summer and fall months this year.
For the average single-family residential customer, the rate increase will add $.95 to the monthly water bill, and $5.85 to the monthly sewer bill. The District is sensitive to the increasing cost of these services and wants to remind you that you can lower your water bill by conserving water year-round. You can also lower your sewer bill by conserving water during the winter months, the period in which your average sewer use is determined. For tips on conservation, see the District’s website at www.lakehaven.org.