Why are Highland Township rates increasing?
The water rate increase will help Highland Township pay for the rising cost of maintaining aging systems and prepare for needed repairs and replacements. Much of the system is 25-30 years old, and equipment is reaching the age when more repairs and replacements are needed. At the same time, the cost of materials, transportation and equipment has increased. This increase helps keep the water system working as it should, reliable, and prepared for future needs.
Your water bill helps pay for:
• Maintaining wells, pumps, and motors
• Repairing water mains, valves, and fire hydrants
• Testing water to ensure it is safe
• Maintaining meters and electrical equipment
• Repairing wellhouses and other facilities
• Replacing aging generators
• Saving for future water system improvements
Q: Why is my water bill increasing?
A: The cost to operate and maintain Highland Township’s water system has increased, and much of the system is now 25-30 years old. The system needs more repairs and replacements.
Q: What am I paying more for?
A: The increase helps pay for well and pump maintenance, water main and fire hydrant repairs, water testing, meter maintenance, electrical equipment, building repairs, and replacement of aging equipment.
Q: How much will my bill increase?
A: The quarterly base rate will increase by $70.00. For example, if your previous quarterly bill was $115, your new bill would be approximately $185, representing a $70 increase.
This example is for a residence that uses 1,500 cubic feet or less of water per quarter. For water usage exceeding 1,500 cubic feet, the additional charge will increase from $35 to $70 per 1,000 cubic feet of water used.
You have control over your water bill. The amount you pay beyond the quarterly base rate depends on how much water you use. Reducing water consumption—such as limiting lawn watering, fixing leaks, and being mindful of household water use—can help keep your overall bill as low as possible.
Q: Why is this happening now?
A: The water system is aging, which means more equipment is reaching the end of its useful life. At the same time, the cost of materials, equipment and transportation has increased.
Q: What specific work is planned?
A: Work may include well and pump testing and repairs, valve and hydrant repairs, meter maintenance, water testing, wellhouse repairs, electrical equipment replacements, and generator replacements. Work will be prioritized based on what the system needs most.
Q: Why do we need new generators?
A: Generators provide backup power during an outage so the water system can continue providing drinking water. Replacing an aging generator can cost more than $250,000.
Q: Where does my water bill go?
A: Water bills fund the operation, maintenance, and improvement of Highland Township’s water system.
Q: Why didn’t we save more money before?
A: Highland Township and WRC worked to keep rates low to limit the impact on customers. As a result, the water fund did not build up enough reserves for the increasing cost of major repairs and replacements.
Q: Will some of the new money be saved?
A: Yes. A portion will be retained in the water fund for future water system improvements, such as water main installation.
Q: Will my rates keep going up?
A: Future rates will depend on the condition of the system, the cost of operating and maintaining it, and the system’s financial needs. Rates are reviewed based on those factors.
Q: Who decided the water rate?
A: We, the Water Resource Commission review the water system’s condition and financial needs and make a rate recommendation. Highland Township reviews and approves the rate.
Q: What happens if we don’t increase the rates?
A: The system would have less funding available for maintenance, emergency reserves, and needed improvements. This could make it more difficult to address ageing equipment and unexpected repairs.