Rate Hikes Hit Twp. Water Users as Restrictions Set to Take Effect

That water bill recently received for usage during the first quarter of 2015 may look higher than what most Washington Township residents are used to.

That’s because the Washington Township Municipal Utilities Authority’s rate hikes for the new year are in effect, with the base price and additional usage fees making an impact on residents.

The WTMUA, which serves customers atop Schooley’s Mountain as well as residents in the valley section of town, raised its base rate (up to 7,500 gallons of usage in a single-family home during a three-month period) from $66.71 to $70.05.

Anyone using between 7,500 gallons and 17,500 gallons during the same time frame had the same base rate, but added $3.22. That additional cost is up in 2015 from $3.07 the year prior.

The next base price jump is where customers likely began seeing the biggest change, as a house using between 17,500 and 27,500 gallons went from $97.41 to $102.25, with an additional charge of $7.90. That bonus charge is up from $7.52 in 2014.

As the usage rises in the new plans, so does the increase year-over-year, according to the WTMUA’s online charts.

The next usage bracket, which includes between 27,500 and 32,500 gallons, comes with a nearly $9 base price hike. The next bracket shows an $11 base price hike.

See the 2014 chart here, and the 2015 chart here.

As has been the case in recent years, the signs about water restrictions will soon become visible atop Schooley’s Mountain.

Beginning May 15, WTMUA will place restrictions on water usage that will last until September 15, including watering of lawns, trees, shrubs, flower, and vegetable gardens.

“To assure the health, welfare and safety of its customers this summer, the Washington Township MUA is imposing water restrictions in the Schooley’s Mountain service area,” the organization said on its website. “The Schooley’s Mountain service area is that portion of the Township north of Springtown Road and includes the Fawnridge tract and areas north of it.”

To see the water restriction schedule provided by the WTMUA, click here.

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