New Water and Sewer Rates Approved

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March 11, 2009

Effective May 1, PWC water and sewer rates will increase.  The PWC Board approved new rates Wednesday's meeting after evaluating many options and noted the increase was necessary to not impact the quality and reliability of the service PWC provides its customers.   

PWC will use its Rate Stabilization fund and its operating reserves to minimize the impact of an increase.  Factors behind increases include bond interest, health coverage and chemicals used to treat water and wastewater. There is also an expected reduction in Facility Investment Fees because of the economy (less construction/development) and the reduction of a major water customer-MJ Soffe, who is moving its dying operations out of Fayetteville. 

Despite the increase PWC's residential rates remain lower than neighboring Harnett, Hoke and Orange County. PWC's non-residential and industrial rates remain among the lowest in the state with only Raleigh and Greenville being lower.

During rate adjustment, the tier structure for residential customers was revised from 3 tiers to 4 tiers, adding a lower residential tier for low usage and fixed income customers. An estimated 70% of PWC residential customers use less than 5,000 gallons a month.

Rate increases will go into effect in bills rendered on and after May 1, 2009 and additional information will be mailed in April bills and will be available on the PWC website.

Expected increases:

Gallons used            combined (W/S) $ increase based on monthly usage
0-2,000                    up to $1.38 
2,001-5,000             up to $3.75
5,001-10,000           up to $7.30
Over 10,000             $7.30 +

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