Increase In Water, Sewer Rates Proposed In Moorestown

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Following an informal discussion earlier this month, Moorestown Council introduced a proposal to raise certain water and sewer rates Monday night.

Increases are needed following 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 previously said.

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.

Members of council were concerned that increases were too high, particularly in the first tier of residents, which use about 18,000 gallons of water a year. 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. The specific increases can be found here.

The rates would remain on the lower end compared to other towns in Burlington County, Merchel said. He said the township is experiencing a lag in collections, and he would like to have the new rates in place by April 1.

“If we have four of five months of this year at the old rates, it’s going to make things that much tougher,” Merchel said.

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.

Not using the township’s water supply is hurting. Additionally, revenues are not regenerating, and connection fees are down.

“We never put an increase in place unless it’s warranted,” Merchel said. “If we want to keep the utility viable, we have to have this increase.”

The last time there was a tax increase for the township’s water and sewer budget was 2017. It has only been increased twice in the last 10 years. The township has separate budgets for water and sewer and general operating expenses.

Officials said they could revisit the increases after the township works out a new deal with New Jersey American Water, and after they track down the polluters responsible for contaminating the water supply.

The public hearing and final vote is scheduled for the March 9 council meeting at town hall. Read more here: Hike In Water, Sewer Rates Under Consideration In Moorestown