In October 2012 the Wattsville Water Authority Board (WWAB) began the annual process of preparing a budget for the next fiscal year.  With significant increases in recent years and no corresponding increase in revenues, the WWAB has been faced with the challenge of creating a balanced budget.

The current rate schedule is a decreasing one.  Under the schedule the more water a customer uses, the less that customer pays per gallon.  WWAB is the only water authority in the state to adhere to this type of schedule.

Examples of increased budget expenses include a 197 percent increase in fuel, 64 percent increase in insurance, 53 percent increase in the cost of meters, 17 percent increase in postage and 25 percent increase in water testing fees.

Water rates have not changed since 2008.

The new rate schedule will be a flat rate per 1,000 gallons.  To arrive at the fairest rate, the board averaged rates of surrounding areas.

The minimum residential rate will not change, resulting in no increase for approximately 25 percent of customers who use the minimum amount of water each month.  Customers who use more than the 2,000-gallon minimum will see a rate increase, resulting in an increased water bill.

The board established rate categories for the type of activity served on a meter: residential, commercial, industrial and farm.

The new rate schedule will go into effect with the February billing cycle.

Amended rates:

Residential—$18.40 minimum for the first 2,00 gallons, $4.46 per additional 1,000 gallons used.  Residential dwellings are those that use 3/4” meter, rented or owned.  Trailer parks and apartment complexes are billed per unit.

Commercial——$50 minimum for the first 2,00 gallons, $4.46 per additional 1,000 gallons used.  Premises include any size meter where commercial activities occur. Examples include retail stores, daycares, schools, auto repair shops, restaurants and professional offices.

Industrial——$75 minimum for the first 2,00 gallons, $4.46 per additional 1,000 gallons used.  Premises include places where manufacturing or industrial activities occur.

Farm——$40 minimum for the first 2,00 gallons, $1.75 per additional 1,000 gallons used up to the first 100,00 gallons used and $1.01 per 1,000 used above 100,000.  Premises are served by a 1” or larger meter, consisting of at least five acres where farming activities occur regularly.  Any premises where activities other than farming take place in conjunction with farm are not classified as farm.