Caldwell Residents Will See a $48 Hike to Water Bills

Will a $48 hike to their water bills be enough to prompt Caldwell residents to take shorter showers and stop watering their lawns?

During the Caldwell Borough Council’s Tuesday meeting, Borough Administrator Paul Carelli reported that the township plans to raise water rates for the first time in five years.

According to Carelli, rates will go up from $5.95 per one thousand gallons used, to $6.45 per thousand gallons. For the average resident who uses 24,000 gallons of water per year, this would mean a $12 increase in their quarterly water bill.

“The 50 cent increase is due to our infrastructure repairs and also the fees we pay to Essex Fells for the actual water,” Carelli said.

WHERE DOES CALDWELL GET ITS WATER?

Via its groundwater supply wells, the Essex Fells Water Department supplies water for Caldwell, North Caldwell, Essex Fells and Roseland.

Questions related to bills can be directed to the Caldwell Water Department, 973-226-6348, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Customers can see their annual water report online.

Send Caldwell area news to eric.kiefer@patch.com