Water and Sewer Rate Increase

Construction on water and sewer lines have been seen throughout San Angelo for months now. Will Wilde, Director of Utilities for the city says it's just the beginning of a major overhaul.

Wilde said, "It is just the beginning of the capital improvements programs that are now moving forward with the capital improvements plan that the council has adopted and is beginning to implement with the rate increase that will be taking effect tomorrow."

So how is the reconstruction being paid for? By your tax dollars. The revenue already generated through existing water and sewer rates is being used to fund the projects. However, more money is needed to keep utilities flowing to and from your home.

Wilde said, "I would compare this to what you see at your home everyday If you don't do that maintenance on your home, if you don't fix that leaking faucet, repaint the house, keep it up... it's just over time going to deteriorate and fall down around you."

The base water rate will increase by $4.74 to $14.82 a month and sewer rates will go up $7.79 to $19.81 a month. This is a total increase of $12.53 for the average user. All money raised from this increase will go toward the water and sewer infrastructure.

Wilde said, "It is a very great feeling to see the investment being made.  This is an investment by the citizens in their system.  It's not something that is going to be just going into a fund where the monies will be lost or not accounted for.  Every dollar will be accounted for through a special fund." 

City officials expect the reliability of the system to improve in the near future so the city doesn't experience another water disaster like last December.

The rate increase of $12.53 is for the average user. If sewer usage exceeds 4,000 gallons, customers will pay an additional $2.50 per 1,000 gallons. Water rates are higher for customers with meters larger than five-eights inch.