$1,200 Water Bills In Bonney Lake? Some See Big Increases: Report

BONNEY LAKE, WA - Some Bonney Lake residents are seeing water bills increase as much as 1,000 percent, according to KIRO 7. Residents showed the station bills that increased from an average of $140 per month to as much as $1,200 per month. The residents said that city officials told them the bills increased because of upgrades being made to water infrastructure.

Here's more from the KIRO 7 report:

The city of Bonney Lake sent out letters to some customers suggesting they might have leaks. The letter also asked "have you recently filled a hot tub or swimming pool?"

Cindy Gilsing showed KIRO-7 her bill, which indicated she used 1,800 cubic feet of water last year, but this billing cycle, she used 6,100. One neighbor responded to Gelsing's NextDoor post, saying his bill, which was as high as $140, now has exploded to $1,200.

According to the city, water rates in Bonney Lake increased 9 percent on July 1 while sewer rates rose 5.5 percent.

The rates rose after the City Council approved Ordinances 1576 and 1577 at the May 23 Council meeting. According to those ordinances, the rates were increased due to several reasons:

• A study by the Redmond-based Financial Consulting Services Group of local water rates
• The state Department of Health has imposed new standards on the water supply
• The city has recently updated its comprehensive plan, including upgrades to the water and sewer systems

Residents indicated to KIRO 7 they would address the water-bill issue at Tuesday's City Council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

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