First Sewer Rate Increase in 18 Years

New in 2001

First Sewer Rate Increase in 18 years

New Sewer Rate Structure and Rate Increase go into effect January 1, 2001

Rate Restructuring and Rate Increase

Salt Lake City residents have one of the most efficient and cost effective sewer systems in the country. The wastewater treatment facility is among the elite plants of the nation. With perfect performance during the past 7 years, the Water Reclamation Plant has been recognized by the Association of Metropolitan Sewage Agencies with the prestigious AMSA Platinum Award given to only a handful of treatment facilities across the United States, and the Region VIII EPA Excellence Award for O&M Management.

However, to maintain your sewer system at peak efficiency, the Department of Public Utilities has embarked on a $57 million capital improvements program approved on June 15, 2000 by the City Council. To finance this extensive program will require that sewer rates be increased over the next six years. Your January bill includes the first rate increase of 12.5 percent to finance this program, smaller increases of 9 percent will follow each of the next four years with an increase of 7 percent in the sixth year. The 12.5 percent increase will increase the average residential bill from $6.40 o $7.20 or $0.80 per month.

Rate Calculations

With the sewer rate increase comes a change in the way sewer charges are calculated for commercial and industrial customers. Those customers who produce the higher strength waste discharges, greater than residential levels, such as restaurants, industrial dischargers and food producers will be most effected.

These charges are necessary because waste strength from the city has increased dramatically in the last 5 years. The sewer treatment plant capacity, if the trend continues, could be at capacity in two years. To build additional treatment facilities would be very costly. Controlling waste strength by increased charges and encouraging conservation may delay that expenditure.

History of Average Monthly Sewer Bill

Sewer rates were increased last in December 1982 -- 18 years ago. In fact, since that time rates were decreased three times. The new rate increase of 12.5 percent and the next 9 percent increase will provide sewer service to the average residential customer at rates below those in 1982, and well below the projected inflated rate during the past 18-years.

Residential users can help reduce the BOD loading at the water reclamation plant by scraping food from plates and cooking utensils into the garbage can for disposal at the landfill. Avoid pouring grease and/or placing foods into the sink and using the food grinder. Collect and place in the garbage can for disposal at the landfill.

www.slcclassic.com/utilities/news06212000.htm

As we welcome 2001, the Department of Public Utilities is pleased to have you as a customer. In this new year, we pledge to continue to provide the highest quality water, sewer and stormwater services possible.