Richland Water Rates Going Up

Customers of Richland Township Municipal Authority of Allegheny County will see their water rates go up this fall.

Effective Oct. 1, the RTMAAC usage charge will increase to $5.57 per thousand gallons from the current $5.30 rate.

Bill rates are based on meter size. For most residential meters, a quarterly $27 flat fee is charged in addition to the usage fee. 

"The rate increase is necessary because West View raised the rate it charges the authority for water 5.34 percent on July 1, 2011," the authority told customers in a postcard mailing.

"This increase plus the higher costs of materials, fuel and utilities required the board to take this action," according to the postcard.

The authority estimates average quarterly usage at 17,000 to 19,000 gallons, according to its website. A bill for 17,000 gallons will increase from $117.10 to $121.69. 

Click here for for a list of water rates.

The Richland Township Municipal Authority of Allegheny County distributes water to residents of Richland Township and Valencia Borough and portions of Adams, Hampton, and West Deer townships, its website states.

The water is purchased in bulk from West View Water; RTMAAC employees maintain the waterlines and handle customer service, according to its website.