NORTH SALT LAKE CITY -- Water rates in the city, both for residential and commercial use, will increase for the first time in 13 years effective July 1.
City Manager Collin Wood said the increases are the first since 1987 and are necessary to keep pace with increasing federal requirements for water testing, as well as inflation costs."It's costing us significantly more," he said.
The increased water charges will appear on the July water bills that residents and businesses receive in early August.
"It's a pretty hefty increase," Wood said, explaining the new rates should serve the city for at least another four to five years.
As part of the increases, North Salt Lake also is altering its base rate of gallons used. Currently, the base rate is $7.25 for the first 7,000 gallons of water used each month.
The new base rate will be for the first 12,000 gallons used, but the rate will increase to $15 per month for both residential and business users.
The overage charge, for those who exceed 12,000 gallons a month, will depend on commercial or residential use and also location. The city charges more for customers above 350 East, because of additional pumping costs.
Residents below 350 East will pay $1 for each 1,000 gallons of water used beyond the base rate up to 30,000 gallons. The cost is $1.25 extra for each 1,000 gallons beyond the 30,000-mark, up to 75,000 gallons. Each 1,000 gallons beyond 75,000, will cost $1.75.
Business also will pay this rate, except when they use more than 75,000 gallons per month, when they will be charged $1.25 for each additional 1,000 gallons.
The old water rate was 72 cents for each 1,000 gallons beyond the 7,000 base rate.
Residents above 350 East will pay $1.25 for each extra 1,000 gallons beyond the 12,000-mark, up to 30,000 total monthly gallons. The cost for usage of more than 30,000 gallons will be $1.50 per 1,000, and the charge for usage over 75,000 gallons will be $2 per each additional 1,000 gallons.
The old charge was 82 cents for each 1,000 gallons over the 7,000-gallon base rate.