A Multi-Week Infrastructure Series WEEK 7– WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR WATER BILL

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR WATER BILL

Subject: The Honest Truth About Water Rates

What the Master Plans Mean for Your Bill

The Master Plans confirm that past spending levels were not sufficient to maintain aging infrastructure or meet new state mandates. As a result, rates will need to increase over time. These increases will be phased, transparent, and subject to public review.

Planned investments spread over time cost far less than emergency failures that force sudden rate spikes. Every dollar collected through water and sewer rates stays within the utility system and funds local infrastructure.

What Drives Rates

• Aging pipe replacement

• Fire flow safety upgrades

• State water quality mandates

What This Is Not

• Not discretionary spending

• Not growth-driven

• Not funding unrelated City programs

Bottom Line

Responsible planning today prevents crisis-driven rate shocks tomorrow.