Manchester Water District plans to raise rates

The Manchester Water District will consider an increase in water rates in order to continue operations and maintain quality.

“We have proposed this in order to keep up with inflationary trends,” said Operations Manager Dennis O’Connell. “We need it to support maintenance, operations and our capital improvements program.”

The district serves 9,000 people, delivering over 220 million gallons per year to Manchester, Southworth, Harper and South Colby.

While bills vary depending on usage, the average customer can expect to pay about $2 more per month.

The base charge would increase $1 to $13.75 a month, while the consumption charge would go up 10 cents per 100 cubic feet.

The base charge supports fixed costs such as customer service, meter maintenance, billing and postage.

Consumption charges fund capital improvements and costs that vary with water sales such as chemicals, power and taxes.

The proposed increase is scheduled for discussion the regular meeting, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at 2081 Spring Street East in Manchester.

Public comment will be taken at that time.

“We’re trying to keep the process transparent and give the public a change to speak about the issue before taking action,” O’Connell said.

The Water District has three commissioners, Kyle D. Galpin, James E. Strode and Steve Pedersen, who are elected to staggered six-year terms.

For more information go to www.manchesterwater.org.

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