Water Rates to Rise 16% NEXT MONTH in Plano, Texas: 5th Round of Water Hikes Since 2006!!!; Monthly Water Bill from $65 to $76!!! (DallasMorningNews)

Feb.20, 2009 in Water Rates

(Feb. 18, 2009, The Dallas Morning News)

Plano water and sewer customers should expect rates to rise by an average of 16 percent starting next month.

The increases, the fifth round of hikes since spring 2006, will help pay for more expensive treatment, pumping and expansion costs in the North Texas Municipal Water District.

Plano’s City Council approved the increases Tuesday evening.

Typical residential customers will see monthly bills rise to about $76 from $65, city officials said. The increase will take effect March 1.

Higher costs to pump and chemically treat water are pushing bills up all over the district, which serves about 2 million people in dozens of cities across the region.

The district also is embarking on a multibillion-dollar push to meet rising demand by building two reservoirs, upgrading treatment and making other improvements.

Paying for the higher costs and construction plans is a challenge. The district plans to increase wholesale rates significantly over the next decade or so, meaning that future rate increases in Plano and beyond are all but guaranteed.

The rate hikes have added to a turbulent period for the city.

Erratic spells of wet and dry weather have driven wild swings in Plano’s water revenues. Moreover, a series of sewer line breaks has nearly wiped out a city reserve fund meant for routine sewer maintenance.

Plano’s water and sewer rates generally appear in line with those of neighboring communities, according to statistics provided by the city budget office.

Nevertheless, Plano is spending some $24,000 on a consultant that will review whether the city is charging customers too much or too little.

(Original Article Here)