Hike In Water, Sewer Rates Under Consideration In Moorestown

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown residents may soon feel the pinch of improvements to the township’s water infrastructure.

Upgrades at the three water treatment plants as well as to the water main system has left the township in a position where it should consider raising water and sewer rates, Township Manager Tom Merchel said during Monday night’s council meeting at town hall.

The increase in water fees looks to be about $57.90. This would bring the cost to $76. Sewer fees would increase by $124, up to $133, and the total overall increase would be $181.90, up to $209.

The rates would remain on the lower end compared to other towns in Burlington County, according to Merchel’s presentation.

It would be the first time since 2017 the township raises its rates for water and sewer. Rates also went up in 2010, but remained steady every other year over the last decade. Moorestown has two budgets: one for general operations and one for water and sewer.

“We only raise it when we have to,” Mayor Nicole Gillespie said.

“It has to be done to keep the utility floating,” Merchel said. “ … We’re not using enough of our own water. We’re paying too much money.”

The township has been working on upgrades to the Kings Highway, North Church Street and Hartford treatment plants since unregulated contaminants were first discovered in the drinking water about six years ago. During work, the plants were offline and the township has been buying water from New Jersey American Water.

Work is wrapping up at all three plants, but the township is still buying water from the water company in the meantime, Merchel said. The township recently entered into negotiations with New Jersey American Water to extend their current deal.

Once the work is complete, Kings Highway will produce water at full capacity. Before work began, it was only pumping a fraction of what it could. The Hartford Road plant hasn’t been in use for several years, but will be part of the system once again after work is complete, Merchel said.

The average resident uses between 18,000 and 20,000 gallons of water a year, Merchel said. People who irrigate a lot tend to use 50,000 gallons or more.

Deputy Mayor Brian Donnelly asked if the township could use its surplus to help cover costs. Merchel said it is legal, but not usually done.

“Everyone pays taxes, but not everyone uses township water and sewer,” Merchel said. “You can’t use debt service. You would have to raise the rates.”

While council has not yet made a decision, Gillespie trusts Merchel’s analysis, and says he has worked diligently on the matter. In addition to serving as township manager, Merchel is the township’s chief financial officer.