Hillsboro To Increase Water Rates; Seeks Community Feedback

HILLSBORO, OR — City officials want the community's feedback on the Water Department's proposed 11 percent increase for all residential, industrial, and commercial water users in Hillsboro, which — if approved — could take effect Oct. 1.

To give residents a venue and platform from which they can offer their thoughts, the city will hold a water rate public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 10, in room 113 B/C at the Hillsboro Civic Center, 150 E. Main St. The prospective rate increase would alter an average water consumer's bill (which assumes the use of nearly 6,000 gallons of water per month) by $3.25, raising the average monthly bill from $29.50 to $32.75.

Hillsboro adjusts the city's water rate annually in October, according to the city's website. These adjustments, typically in the form of small percentage increases, fund operation and maintenance costs for water system upkeep, ensure water quality and reliability of service, pay for debt service on bonds, cover the pay of water department employees, and help the city maintain and expand the water system's infrastructure. (Sign up for our free daily newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Hillsboro Patch)

"You may not think about how water gets to you. You don’t have to, because we do. We run the treatment plants, pumps, and over 300 miles of pipes that deliver clean water. The water portion of your Utility Bill pays for the services and investments that are essential to making clean, safe water available every day," Water Department Director Kevin Hanway said in an email. "We encourage the Hillsboro community to take a moment to consider all of the ways that you use water every single day — from bathing, to cleaning, to doing laundry, to drinking and cooking — everything we do and all the conveniences in life we take advantage of revolve around a clean and abundant water supply."

Hanway added Hillsboro's water rates have remained one of the lowest of any city in the Portland metro region, accounting for the smallest portion of any given residents' utility bill, which typically includes services for electricity, internet, natural gas, cable TV, and a phone of some kind, be it cellular or land-line.

"For over 75 years, the city of Hillsboro Water Department has provided safe, reliable water to water consumers at rates that are among the lowest in the region. Protection of public health is our highest priority and governs every decision we make," Hanway said. "Even with the proposed increase, the city of Hillsboro Water Department would continue to have the third lowest water rate in the Portland Metro region."

The city's Utilities Commission will vote on the rate change during its meeting Aug. 8. Anyone unable to attend the July 10 meeting is encouraged to offer feedback by phone (503-615-6543), email/mail, or online at the city's website. Mailed feedback must be received by July 10 to be considered.

Written feedback can be sent to Lindsay.Wochnick@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov, or:

City of Hillsboro Water Department
RE: Water Rate Feedback
150 E Main Street, Third Floor
Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

This post has been updated to include comments from Hillsboro Water Department Director Kevin Hanway.

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