United Water Seeks Fee To Replace Water Mains: Report

United Water Toms River customers could be charged an average $2.37 per month more to replace old, leaking or substandard water mains, if the state approves a fee request from the water company, according to a report.

The Asbury Park Press reported that United Water Toms River has asked the state Board of Public Utilities to allow the utility to implement a charge so it can speed up work to replace old water mains. If approved, the company would have to ask regulators for further permission before it could recover any costs for upgrades by putting the charge on bills, a utility official said.

“We only charge if we spend the money,” said Jim Mastrokalos, director of operations at United Water Toms River, told the Press. “The date that this gets approved, nothing changes.”

The Press report said the BPU had approved a rate increase this summer that was just shy of half of the amount the company had sought. That approval increased water bills by $3.52 a month, according to the report.

The company says some of its water mains are 100 years and are crumbling or are too small to handle the needs of the community.

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