PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Public Utility District commissioners have scheduled public hearings in Carlsborg, Port Angeles and Clallam Bay on a proposed water rate increase.
PUD staff have recommended a rate increase of 6 percent, effective on all bills rendered on or after June 1, as well as an additional 6 percent in 2012 and 2013.
If the increase is approved, a residential water customer using an average of 1,000 cubic feet per month, will see a increase of about $2 to $4 per month.
Rate hearings are scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on:
■ Monday — PUD Carlsborg Operations Center, 110 Idea Place.
■ Monday, May 9 — Clallam Bay Library, 16990 state Highway 112.
■ Monday, May 16 — PUD Main Office, 2431 E. U.S. Highway 101, Port Angeles.
Commissioners are planning to consider approving the increase after the public hearing May 16, said Mike Howe, PUD spokesman, though they may choose to delay it.
According to the PUD, the rate increase is necessary to meet regulatory mandates, fund ongoing maintenance of aging infrastructure — some of which are 50 years old — and meet other operational costs.
Funding is needed for a comprehensive water plan update, which the state requires every six years, Howe said.
Also, the utility district is completing a new water resources project for the Fairview water users, which is required by the state Department of Health, he said.
The district also is purchasing land for a new Gales Addition reservoir. The present reservoir is more than 60 years old, Howe said.
A water-cost-of-service study suggested an increase of 9.8 percent was needed, but PUD staff whittled that down to 6 percent by deferring some projects and reallocating resources, Howe said.
“While it is unfortunate any increase is needed, the ability to provide safe and reliable water service to our customers is important,” said PUD general manager Doug Nass.
“Mandates, operational and maintenance costs result in rate pressures that need to be addressed.”
The PUD serves approximately 4,300 water customers in Clallam County.
For more information, visit www.clallampud.net.
